Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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We have received apologies from Deputy Jennifer Whitmore and an Seanadóir Noel O'Donovan.

The first item on the clár today is engagement with the construction sector on climate change targets in the near term, from 2026 to 2030. The purpose of our meeting today is to continue our discussions with the goal for the committee of identifying the 15 to 20 barriers that would prevent Ireland from achieving its climate change targets for the period 2026 to 2030. We have been engaging on this topic sector by sector, and today we continue with witnesses from the construction sector. From the Irish Green Building Council, IGBC, we are joined by Mr. Pat Barry, CEO, and Mr. Lenny Antonelli, project manager. From the Construction Industry Federation, CIF, we are joined by Mr. Andrew Brownlee, CEO, Mr. P.J. Ryan, head of environment and social governance, and Mr. Eamonn Stapleton, vice president and also chair of the environment and social governance committee. From UCD, we are joined by Dr. Oliver Kinnane, head of the school of architecture, planning and environmental policy. They are all very welcome.

I remind everybody in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off.

Before I invite the witnesses to deliver their opening statements, I wish to advise them of the following in relation to parliamentary privilege. Witnesses and members are reminded of the long-standing 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Regarding the format of this meeting, I will invite witnesses in turn to make an opening statement for a maximum of five minutes. Once those statements have been delivered, I will then call on the members of the committee in the order they indicate to me their wish to put their questions. We operate a rota system, which provides each member with an initial six minutes to engage with our witnesses. It is important to note that the six minutes are for both questions and answers. Therefore, it is essential for members to put their questions succinctly and for witnesses to be succinct in their responses. When all members who have indicated have had their initial engagement, time permitting, a second round will commence, where each member will have up to three minutes for both questions and answers. Please note that the duration of this meeting is limited. Therefore, the times must be adhered to strictly. I ask everybody to be focused in their contributions.

I will now call on the witnesses from each organisation to deliver an opening statement, beginning with Mr. Pat Barry of the IGBC, followed by Mr. Andrew Brownlee of the CIF and Professor Oliver Kinnane from UCD.