Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Pat Glennon, chairman of the Irish Timber Council and managing director of Glennon Brothers; Mr. Jim McNamara, managing director of Laois Sawmills, Mr. Patrick Murray, director of Murray Timber Company; and Mr. Daryl Fahy, general manager of ECC Teo.

I bring to the witnesses’ attention the matter of privilege. Witnesses 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 in relation to 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 have already been alerted to their responsibilities with regard to privilege.

Senator Mac Conghaíl is substituting for Senator Mary Ann O'Brien for today's meeting. I invite Mr. Glennon to make his opening statement.