Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Cooney and Kenny. Before I begin, I want to bring to everyone's attention that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at the committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's discretion. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the meeting of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of Members participating online in the committee meeting where their participation is from within the parliamentary precinct. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precinct. Any attempt to do so will result in the Member having his or her online access removed.

We are following up with a further session on anaerobic digestion. Today the committee will hear from a number of witnesses. We are joined by Ms Moira Philbin. Ms Áine McCann, Ms Carmel Kelleher, Mr. Henry Mooney and Mr. Pat Shanahan of the National Biogas Concern Group. They have circulated the opening statement, and the members have had an opportunity to read over it. I will give Mr. Mooney five minutes to give an opening presentation and make his opening statement. At that stage then we will go into a question-and-answer session with the members.