Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Alan Farrell and Senator Higgins. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss governance and delivery of climate action in local authorities and community-led climate action at a local level. We have with us officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and representatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. Dr. Ciaran Byrne, director of national retrofit at SEAI is very welcome back. The other SEAI representatives are: Mr. Brian O'Mahony, head of the national retrofit and community department, who will join us online; Ms Ruth Buggie, programme manager, sustainable energy communities; Ms Gillian Baker, programme manager, renewable energy support scheme; and Mr. Andy Fox, programme manager, renewable energy support scheme. With us from the Department are Ms Justina Corcoran, principal officer, Mr. Robert Deegan, principal officer and Mr. Rory Somers, assistant principal officer.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice whereby 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 regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For the witness who is attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, he may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as does a witness who is physically present.

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 they may participate in this meeting only if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask any member joining us online to confirm, prior to making his or her contribution, that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Dr. Byrne to make his opening statement.