Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the public gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode. We will move on to a discussion with the Vintners' Federation of Ireland on policy options to support business growth, and job creation and retention in towns and village centres. I welcome Mr. Padraig Cribben of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, VFI; Mr. John Nealon and Mr. Donall O'Keeffe of the Licensed Vintners' Association, LVA; and Mr. Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, RAI, to the meeting.
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. 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. Witnesses 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 or persons or entity 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 members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I ask Mr. Padraig Cribben to make his presentation to the committee. We have all received the document, so there is no need for him to go through it in full.