Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from the IFA Mr. John Bryan, president, Mr. Pat Smith, general secretary, and Ms Elaine Farrell, Oireachtas retail executive. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss the proposed code of practice for the grocery sector. I draw their attention to the fact 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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Committee members have already been reminded of their responsibilities in regard to privilege.

I invite Mr. Bryan to make his opening statement.