Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Donald Mackay, managing director Ireland, Aldi, and Mr. Niall O'Connor, group buying director Ireland, Aldi. I thank them for appearing before the committee today. The issues to be discussed are the proposed code of conduct for the grocery goods sector, pricing and the impact on primary and secondary suppliers, support for local produce and labelling.

Before we commence I draw your attention to the matter of privilege. You are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give this committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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.

Before calling Mr. O'Connor, I must apologise as I will have to vacate the Chair at approximately 10.50 a.m. The Vice Chairman of the committee, Deputy Deering, will take the Chair. I invite Mr. O'Connor to commence.