Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives of the United Farmers Association, Mr. Bertie Wall, president, and Mr. Sean Guerin, deputy president. I thank them for coming before the committee today to discuss commonages. Before we begin I draw to their attention 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 committee. However, 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 are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary 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. I understand Mr. Wall will make the opening comments for the United Farmers Association.