Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure that their mobile telephones are completely turned off.

We are here today to discuss the proposed renewable energy directive, RED II, 2020-2030. I welcome from Ethanol Europe Renewables Limited, Mr. James Cogan, industry and policy adviser, and Ms Esme O'Connell, research and liaison officer, from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Kevin Brady, principal officer, and Mr. Des Byrne, higher executive officer, and from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Jack Nolan, senior inspector, and Dr. Eugene Hendrick, senior inspector. I thank them all for coming here today to discuss the proposed renewable energy directive.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We will now hear a presentation from Mr. James Cogan which will be followed by one from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, as it is the lead Department in this particular matter. I invite Mr. James Cogan to make his opening statement.