Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Paul Kelly, director of Food and Drink Industry Ireland, FDII. I thank Mr. Kelly for coming before the committee to discuss the proposed code of practice for the grocery sector.

I bring to the witnesses’ attention that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, 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 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they 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 are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Kelly to make his opening statement.