Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. John Fitzgerald, secretary of the Irish Farm Managers Association, IFMA; Mr. Liam Moyles, former chief executive of the Farm Apprenticeship Board; Mr. Kevin Cummins, chairman of the policy committee of the IFMA; and Mr. Seamus Quigley, committee member of the IFMA.

I draw attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing 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.

Mr. Moyles will make the presentation, but Mr. Fitzgerald wishes to make some opening remarks.