Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have two groups today, the first being the Irish Dairy Board. I welcome Mr. Vincent Buckley, chairman, Mr. Joe O'Flynn, managing director of consumer foods division, Ms Anne Randles, secretary, and Mr. Bernard Condon, director of dairy trade and ingredients.

Before we commence I must go through the issue of privilege. I bring to the delegates' attention that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and you continue to do so, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible you should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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 call on Mr. Buckley to make his opening statement.