Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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I have received apologies from Deputy Alan Farrell and Senators McGahon and Dooley. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss accelerating offshore wind, including fixed and floating offshore wind generation. We will discuss the east coast and we are also very interested in the larger opportunity off the south and west coasts. We will discuss supply chain and logistical challenges. There is also the issue of green hydrogen and development of a green hydrogen economy. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Peter Coyle, chairman of the Marine Renewables Industry Association, MRIA. I thank him for coming before the committee to discuss this very important topic.

Before we begin, I will read out the note on privilege. I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Houses 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction I give. For witnesses attending from outside the Leinster House campus, 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 physically present on the Leinster House campus.

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 remind Members that they are allowed to participate in this meeting only if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In that regard, I ask all Members joining us online to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I can see a number of members joining us online from their offices.

This part of our meeting will conclude at 11 a.m. I invite Mr. Coyle to make his opening statement.