Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will now consider the management of sewage sludge and biofertiliser with representatives of the board of Cré – the Composting Association of Ireland. The witnesses are Mr. Percy Foster and Mr. Maurice Cremin and I thank them for their attendance.
I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are 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. I also wish to advise witnesses that the opening statement and any of the documentation they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after the meeting has concluded.
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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
Before we commence, I wish to make a couple of points. Producing compost is effectively a means of using what we once considered as waste and did not see much advantage or profit in it. It is environmentally-friendly and economically beneficial to us, especially when engaged in on a large scale. It is a key ingredient in organic farming, which is a growing sector in Irish agriculture, and it is also important as a natural cover in landfill sites and as a source of energy through the generation of biogas.
Composting on a large scale can help protect and develop ecosystems by control erosion, assisting in the reclamation of land and in the construction wetlands. On a smaller scale, many people engage in simple composting in their domestic gardens and this is also good for the environment. Nowadays it is a very common feature of housekeeping to see compost bins in people's back gardens.
Much of the same can be said in regard to biofertilisers. These can be used as a natural fertiliser and pesticide and help reduce the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. They contain living micro-organisms which help to restore the natural nutrient cycle in the soil and greatly enrich its fertility.
I hope the witnesses will assist us in our consideration of this very important topic. It is very germane to our committee and that is why the witnesses are here. I know we will benefit from this meeting. I invite Mr. Percy Foster to make his opening statement.