Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Alan Farrell and Senator Higgins. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the various retrofitting schemes available, as well as district heating, which has been raised here in the last number of weeks. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following representatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI: Ms Margie McCarthy, director of research and policy insights; and Dr. Ciarán Byrne, director of national retrofit. Both witnesses are welcome back. We have met them before. Ms Kerrie Sheehan, head of research and technology, is new to this committee. She is very welcome. Joining us online are Mr. Brian O'Mahony, head of national retrofit and community department; and Mr. John Randles, head of delivery. They are also very welcome.

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.

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 witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses physically present on the campus do.

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 campus. In this regard, I ask any member joining us online, prior to making his or her contribution, to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I ask Ms McCarthy to make her opening statement.