Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Michael Spellman, chairman, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, Mr. Seamus O’Donohoe, chief executive officer, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, Mr. Ray Doyle, secretary, Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, Mr. John Bryan, president, Irish Farmers Association, Mr. Tomas Bourke, livestock officer, Irish Farmers Association. Mr. Gabriel Gilmartin, president, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Mr. Eddie Punch, general secretary, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Mr. Paul Smyth, policy officer, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and Mr. Paddy Cassidy, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association. I thank them all for coming at short notice.

Members raised concerns about the closure of TNT International and its implications for farmers and the marts. In this respect, the purpose of today’s meeting is to allow the relevant representative bodies to update the committee on the potential of this episode to undermine confidence in the live trade, as well as their concerns about individual farmers exposed by potential losses. The meeting will focus on what safeguards can be put in place to prevent a similar reoccurrence of this episode.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of evidence they 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 and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons 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 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.

I invite Mr. Seamus O’Donohoe to make his opening statement.