Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney; Professor Alan Reilly, chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; Mr. Raymond Ellard, Food Safety Authority of Ireland; Mr. Martin Blake, chief veterinary officer at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and Mr. Philip Carroll and Mr. Martin Heraghty, assistant secretaries in the Department. Other departmental officials present include Ms Paula Barry Walsh, deputy chief veterinary officer, and Mr. David Lynch, senior veterinary inspector.

I remind everybody present to turn off their mobile telephones as mobile interference causes difficulties for the transmission people and streaming of the hearing over UPC channels. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter but continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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 are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement, followed by Professor Reilly, and I will then open the discussion to members. The Minister has discretion to ask an official to address the meeting at any point during his contribution. I hope we can keep that part of the proceedings to 30 minutes.