Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have two more groups before us: Mr. Martin Keane, Mr. Seamus O'Donohoe and Mr. T.J. Flanagan from the Irish Cooperative Organisation Society, ICOS; and Mr. Michael Murphy and Mr. Con Hurley from Positive Farmers. I welcome the witnesses. We have heard from the Irish Dairy Board and Bord Bia. We will now hear from people involved in production, both in the primary and processing sectors. I am very interested in hearing their opinions on price volatility and how to best manage it.

Before we begin, I bring witnesses' attention to the fact that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the 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 a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members have already been reminded of their responsibilities with regard to privilege.

I will take opening statements from both groups and we will then have questions. I apologise as some Members of the Seanad were called away. Hopefully they will return. Everything goes on the record here. We look forward to hearing the contributions from both groups. I invite Mr. Keane to make his opening statement.