Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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I have received apologies from Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. I welcome to this meeting Dr. Yamina Saheb of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Dr. Michael de Boeck of the European legal studies department in the College of Europe. On behalf of the committee, I thank the witnesses for coming before us to share their expertise. The purpose of this meeting is to have a discussion on issues around the Energy Charter Treaty and energy security. We have had related sessions on the use of liquefied natural gas and data centres. Today we will be focusing more specifically on the Energy Charter Treaty.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. I remind our guests of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses who are attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus, which includes both of our witnesses today, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present on the Leinster House campus does.

Members of the committee 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 also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members, prior to making their contributions, to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.