Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Pat Deering, Deputy Martin Heydon and Senator Pat O'Neill. Deputy Heydon has nominated Deputy Noel Harrington in substitution.

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones. I propose we continue in public session. Is that agreed? Agreed. We are here to discuss the effects of the recent storms on the fishing community, specifically damage to harbours, piers, property and equipment. I welcome Dr. Cecil Beamish, assistant secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and his colleagues, Mr. Noel Clancy and Mr. Kevin Moriarty. Before I invite Dr. Beamish to make his opening statement, I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 Dr. Beamish to make his opening statement.