Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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No apologies have been received.

I will go through a few housekeeping matters. In accordance with Standing Orders, I wish to make the following declaration:

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by the House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament is sitting. In this regard, I ask members partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members are reminded 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 that person or entity. Therefore, if members' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Good afternoon to members. I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy. I welcome everyone as Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. As they know, this committee has a key role to play for the duration of the Oireachtas term, including: scrutinising the work of the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy; seeking submissions from and holding hearings with third parties, with a view to articulating views on relevant policy matters; examining and amending Bills referred to the committee by the Dáil; reviewing departmental Estimates as part of the budget process; and examining key issues as they arise that fall within the scope of the committee's functional remit. I look forward to working with all members in a collegial spirit of partnership and co-operation in addressing the many issues and challenges facing the Department under the remit of the committee.

As no member wishes to comment, we will proceed to nominations for Leas-Chathaoirleach. As members are aware, a committee may choose to elect a Leas-Chathaoirleach, who can perform the duties and exercise the authority of the Cathaoirleach in his or her absence. I propose requesting nominations for the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach. Members might wish to consult one another and send nominations to the clerk by 5 p.m. on 27 May 2025. Ideally, the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach will take place at the next meeting of the committee. We will have it on the clár for the next meeting, this day week. Is this agreed? Agreed. We will now go into private session to deal with housekeeping matters.