Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile telephones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting because, even in silent mode, they can interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

Today's meeting is an important part of our work programme. I am delighted to welcome the president of the Irish Farmers Association, Mr. John Bryan, to our meeting. He is accompanied by Mr. Kevin Kinsella and Mr. Pat Smith, general secretary of the IFA. Farming activities are extremely important. This has been a very good year for farming. There were large attendances, the highest numbers on record, at the ploughing championships in County Laois last week. The food processing sector and food exports are a major growth area in the economy and one that offers huge potential for trade. It is that context we have invited Mr. John Bryan and his colleagues from the IFA to make a presentation to the committee. As they will be aware, the committee is preparing a report on trade, our relationship with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and how trade promotion is working in that Department. The IFA has an important role to play, given the important role food plays in the economy.

We are delighted to have Mr. John Bryan in today in his capacity as president of the IFA. Apologies about last weekend and that Kilkenny was not in the All-Ireland but Clare did the bit over the weekend. However, I am sure Kilkenny will back again in the near future. I hand over to Mr. John Bryan.