Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are pleased to welcome the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, Ms Michelle O'Neill MLA, and her officials to the meeting. I look forward to an interesting discussion. I welcome the members also. I might mention at the outset that after the meeting we will meet in the Coffee Dock where coffee and sandwiches will be available.

I remind the witnesses 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 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. They are further asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an 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 they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The Minister might note that is a formality we are obliged to go through.

I propose to allow the Minister make an opening statement following which I will call the spokespersons in the normal fashion. Given the importance and complexity of the recent CAP negotiations, there is no doubt that will form part of our exchange today. The other issues we have identified are tackling rural poverty and social isolation, animal welfare and animal disease, pricing of milk, food security in light of the recent fodder crisis, and inshore fishing. The Minister may wish to raise other matters. I invite the Minister, Ms O'Neill MLA, to make her opening statement.