Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.

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.

I remind members and those present to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the live broadcasting of the proceedings.

We are resuming our detailed scrutiny of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Energy Measures) Bill 2018 sponsored by Deputy Bríd Smith. Deputy Bríd Smith and the main delegates will speak for up to ten minutes. Deputy Bríd Smith may make an opening statement, if she wishes to do so.