Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the recent storm damage to coastal farm holdings and the implications for area aid applications under the single farm payment and other schemes. I welcome Dr. Kevin Smyth, assistant secretary; Mr. Paud Evans, principal officer; and Mr. Liam Fahey, senior inspector, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and thank them for coming to discuss these issues.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, 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 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. Smyth to make his opening statement.