Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from Teagasc Dr. Tom Kelly, head of knowledge transfer, and Dr. Pat Dillon, head of the animal and grassland research programme; and from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Mr. Seán Coughlan, chief executive; Mr. John O'Sullivan, chairman; Mr. Michael Doran, vice-chairman, and Mr. Andrew Cromie, head of genetics. I apologise for the delay, but the joint committee had some housekeeping matters to deal with.

By virtue of section 17(2)(i) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are also directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, they 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 invite Dr. Kelly to make his opening statement.