Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Sustainable Development Goals: Discussion

Photo of Brian LeddinBrian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the sustainable development goals. There will be two sessions, the first of which will involve a discussion with representatives of Coalition 2030, Chambers Ireland and Social Justice Ireland. We will be joined in the second session by officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Coalition 2030 is represented by Ms Meaghan Carmody, co-ordinator, Ms Karen Ciesielski, co-ordinator of the Environmental Pillar, and Ms Sadhbh O'Neill, co-ordinator of Stop Climate Chaos. From Chambers Ireland, we are joined by Mr. Shane Conneely, director of policy and communications, and Mr. James Kiernan, director of relationships management. From Social Justice Ireland, we are joined online by Dr. Seán Healy, CEO, and Ms Colette Bennett, economic and social analyst. All the witnesses are welcome.

I remind members and 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members prior to making their contribution, if they are joining us online, that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I will go first to Ms Meaghan Carmody for her opening statement.