Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to draw witnesses' attention 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 the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Any submission or opening statement witnesses have made to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or put them onto flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make coverage difficult.

We are dealing with meeting Ireland’s targets under the 2020 climate and energy package. I welcome all the witnesses. I propose that the main speakers will speak for five minutes each. I will give them a little notice after four minutes so they will know they have one minute left. I will be quite strict on the time as another committee is scheduled to use this room after us. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Representatives of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment are in attendance to answer any policy questions that may arise. If any of the witnesses are sharing time I ask them to indicate that to me and I can include that within the five-minute slot available.

We start with Mr. Paul Kenny, chief executive officer of Tipperary Energy Agency, who has five minutes.