Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the nature of restoration law and the land use review. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Elaine McGoff from the Sustainable Water Network. We are joined online from the Irish Environment Network by Mr. Fintan Kelly; from the Irish Farmers Association by Ms Geraldine O'Sullivan, environment senior policy officer, Mr. Paul O'Brien, environment and rural affairs chair, and Mr. Tadhg Buckley, director of policy; and from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association by its president, Mr. Vincent Roddy, its vice president, Mr. Micheál McDonnell, and policy adviser, Mr. Joe Condon. I welcome also Ms Sadhbh O'Neill, co-ordinator at Stop Climate Chaos.

Before we begin, I wish to read out the following note on privilege. I remind our guests of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise nor 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise nor 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 the meeting only 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, to confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House.

I invite Dr. McGoff to make her opening statement.