Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from the Musgrave Group: Ms Edel Clancy, director of corporate affairs; Mr. Ian Allen, sales director; and Ms Breda Cahill, retailer. I thank them for coming before the committee today. The information to be discussed is the proposed code of conduct for the grocery goods sector, pricing and impact on primary and secondary suppliers, support for local produce and labelling.

Before beginning I bring to the attention of witnesses the matter of privilege. 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. 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. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person 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 a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I understand Ms Clancy will make the opening statement.