Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin Heydon has sent his apologies.

We have two groups represented. I propose to hear, first, from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA. Its submission will be followed by a question and answer session with members. The sitting will then be suspended and the meeting will continue with a submission from the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, which will be followed by a question and answer session with members. I ask everyone to note that the committee room must be vacated by 11.15 a.m.

Joining us from the ICSA are: Mr. Gabriel Gilmartin, president; Mr. Eddie Punch, general secretary; Mr. John Cleary, honorary secretary; Mr. Edmond Phelan, beef committee chairman; and Mr. Billy Gray, CAP committee chairman. I thank the delegates for coming and bring to their attention the fact that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give 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 further directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are also asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an 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 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 Mr. Gilmartin to make his opening statement.