Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this meeting is to consider our six-monthly report on developments in the European Union, particularly on the Common Agricultural Policy. I welcome the officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll, assistant secretary general; Ms Bríd Cannon, principal officer; and Ms Sinéad McPhillips, assistant principal officer. I thank them for attending to brief us on developments in the European Union over the past six months and on the Common Agricultural Policy.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and 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 and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor 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 to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either 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. Aidan O'Driscoll to make his opening statement.