Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Fresh Milk Producers group. The committee has had a series of meetings with different stakeholders to discuss the issues regarding 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.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give this committee. 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 nor make charges against any person(s) 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 outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I propose hearing the opening statements from both groups before members put questions in the normal fashion. I call on Mr. Stephen Arthur of Fresh Milk Producers to make his opening statement.