Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Leddin, the Chair of the committee. I am not aware of any other apologies having been received. This session is the start of our engagement with the Climate Change Advisory Council regarding carbon budgets and the first of our sessions to discuss carbon budgets.

I welcome Ms Marie Donnelly, chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, and thank her for agreeing to attend today's meeting to discuss carbon budgets.

Before we commence, I will read a few notes on privilege. I remind witnesses 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 the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses physically present on the Leinster House campus.

Members of this 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 of the Houses, or an official, by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members prior to making a contribution to confirm that they are indeed on the Leinster House campus.

I now invite Ms Donnelly to make her opening statement.