Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will now have a discussion on the Forestry Bill. I welcome from the Society of Irish Foresters, Mr. Pacelli Breathnach, president, and Dr. Gerhardt Gallagher and Mr. Joe O'Carroll, members. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss their concerns regarding the Forestry Bill.

Some of the witnesses have been before the committee previously but I remind the witnesses regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the 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 are 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, either 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Breathnach to make his opening statement.