John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the sound quality of the transmission of the meeting. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by it 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 and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they do not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the Houses, or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policy or policies. I welcome Mr. Phil Meaney, chairman, and Mr. Adrian Neilan, chief executive officer, of Bord na gCon and invite them to introduce their officials.