Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will now hear from representatives from Tesco. I welcome Mr. Tony Keohane, chief executive, Mr. Dermot Breen and Ms Anne Cleary. The background to the meeting is the proposed code of conduct in 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. I understand Mr Keohane will make the opening statement.