Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will discuss the difficulties encountered by farmers as a result of flooding with representatives of the Irish Farmers Association. Cuirim fáilte roimh Mr. Michael Silke, chairman of the IFA floods project team; Mr. Joe Parlon, IFA Offaly county chairman; Mr. Andrew McHugh, IFA Longford County Chairman; and Mr. Gerry Gunning, IFA rural development executive. Go raibh maith agaibh as teacht i láthair.

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. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and the witness 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. I also wish to advise them that any opening statements or documents submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website following this meeting. 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.

Given the volume of rainfall and difficult and different seasons we have had in recent times, the committee feels it is apt to discuss the issue of flooding and, in particular, how the fallout from it is impacting on various sectors of society. A number of witnesses will appear before the committee over the next few weeks, and we are particularly anxious about the frequency of inclement weather, given it can happen during the June bank holiday weekend as well in the depths of winter. We are concerned about how the implications of that are being dealt with by agencies and authorities.

We are particularly concerned to hear the views of the representatives of the IFA on the fallout for their members, particularly in the context of the difficulty of obtaining insurance cover, increases in insurance premia which make it impossible for someone to afford the cover for his premises or land and, for example, how fractious the relationship is between insurance companies and IFA members or how inflexible the companies are with them. People on the ground have suffered extensively and they are concerned about how insurance companies have discharged their duties. On many occasions, there is a huge gap between what farmers believe is covered and what insurance companies will compensate them for. We know that from experience and we are anxious to hear the views of IFA members.

My interest would be around the difficulty in obtaining insurance cover - renewal, cost and the inflexibilities that members have invariably had to deal with it in recent months and years. I invite Mr. Michael Silke to commence his presentation, following which we look forward to a good exchange of views between Members and witnesses.