Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Anja Murray, Mr. Alex Copland, Mr. Andrew St. Ledger and Mr. Cillian Lohan from The Environmental Pillar, who asked to appear before the committee to make a presentation on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Before we begin I must go through the matter of privilege.

It is a formality. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members have already been reminded of their privilege responsibilities.