Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Kerrane. Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I wish to bring the following to the attention of those attending. Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means they have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They 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 give 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 within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by them of any matters arising from the proceedings outside the proceedings held by the committee.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any 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 utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. Any attempt to do so will result in a member having their online access removed.

The purpose of today’s meeting is further scrutiny of EU legislative proposal COM (2023) 770 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. The committee will hear from the following representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Mr. Martin Blake, chief veterinary officer; Ms Lorna Meaney, senior superintending veterinary inspector; and Mr. Aidan Cahill, superintending veterinary inspector. They are all very welcome to the meeting. Their opening statement has been circulated to members. I will now allow for the reading of the opening statement, after which we will proceed into a question and answer session.