Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Donal Magner, Mr. John Prior and Dr. Gerhardt Gallagher from the Society of Irish Foresters. The purpose of their presentation is the committee's ongoing discussions on the implications of the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights.

Before we begin, 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 have already been reminded of their responsibilities on privilege.

I call on Mr. Magner to make his opening statement.