Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Helen Sheridan and Dr. Paul Murphy of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science. I thank them for coming before us today to brief the committee on the issue of land use, which we are considering. I know they were in the Gallery when I read the privilege notice earlier in the meeting, but I am obliged to do so again. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members have already been reminded of what is expected of them. I understand that both Dr. Sheridan and Dr. Murphy will make opening statements. I invite Dr. Sheridan to address the committee.