Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I bring to the attention of witnesses who are to give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that they have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at the committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair’s direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matter arising from the proceedings.

The committee will hear from the following witnesses on the environmental impact of local emissions: Mr. Dan Brennan, the landowner and farmer in question; Mr. Matt Dempsey; Mr. Padraig Walshe; Mr. Jim Crilly; and Mr. Michael Lambe, who is appearing remotely. As this is a complex case and goes back a long time, I will allow Mr. Brennan and the other witnesses to give a detailed summary of the case. The case has been dealt with in Brussels on a number of occasions. I will give Mr. Brennan the opportunity to put his account of the case and they way it has been handled until now on the record of the Oireachtas. It is an unusual way for us to handle a committee meeting but this is an unusual case. I will allow Mr. Brennan and the other witnesses 30 minutes to fully outline the case, the historical issues and the way the case has been handled by various State and European agencies.