Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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The purpose of today's meeting is for the committee to examine the recommendations contained in the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss report.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to the meeting: Dr. Andy Bleasdale, the lead official in the NPWS with responsibility for the co-ordination and agreement of the national biodiversity action plan for Ireland; Mr. Niall Ó Donnchú, director general; Ms Ciara Carberry, head of the nature conservation directorate; and Dr. Deirdre Lynn and Dr. Claire Cooper from the scientific advice and research directorate.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. I remind the 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 a person or entity. If witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. I ask members who are joining us online to confirm prior to making their contributions that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I invite Dr. Bleasdale to make his opening statement.