Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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The purpose of this meeting is to continue the committee's examination of the recommendations contained in the report of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. The meeting will be split into two sessions. The first will be with Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The second, at 12.30 p.m., will be with members of the Youth Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Francis O'Donnell, chief executive officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland, and Dr. Micheál Ó Cinnéide. I thank them for being here. Both travelled considerable distances to be in the room with us. We really appreciate their taking the time to come to Dublin for this session.

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 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 on the Leinster House complex. I ask members who are joining us online to confirm prior to making their contributions to the meeting that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I invite Mr. O'Donnell to make his opening statement.