Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the following: Mr. Francis O'Donnell, chairman, and Mr. Gavin Power of the Federation of Irish Fishermen; Mr. Eddie Sheehan, chairman, and Ms Caitlín Uí hAodha, Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation from the Irish Fishermen's Organisation; Mr. John Walsh, chairperson, and Mr. Séamus Ó Cnáimhsí, board member, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann/Comhar na nOileán Teoranta; Mr. Jerry Early and Mr. John O'Brien from Donegal Island Fishermen; Mr. Richie Flynn, executive, IFA Aquaculture; and Mr. Jerry Gallagher, chairman, North West Shellfish and Irish Shellfish Association from IFA Aquaculture. I thank the delegates for appearing before the joint sub-committee.

The joint sub-committee was established to focus on communities and the socioeconomics and promotion of sustainable industries. The main industries identified by the sub-committee are aquaculture, island and coastal fisheries, inshore fisheries, with a particular emphasis on sea angling, and tourism. We are here to hear the views of the witnesses on the issues relevant to their organisations.

Before we begin, I wish to draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009 they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this joint sub-committee. If they are directed by the sub-committee to cease giving evidence with regard to a particular matter but continue to so do, they will be 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any 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 nor make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We have a large number of groups and I understand that each group will make a five minute presentation and the members offering will be allowed put their questions. Deputy Ó Cuív is caught this morning, as the Animal Health and Welfare Bill is being discussed in the Dáil.