Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and delegates to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they interefere with the broadcasting of proceedings.

I welcome from Bord Iascaigh Mhara Mr. Michael Keatinge, interim CEO; Mr. Donal Maguire, director of aquaculture development services; Mr. Donal Buckley, business development and innovation director, and Mr. Connie Kelleher, director of corporate services. I thank them for appearing before the joint committee to discuss the annual report of Bord Iascaigh Mhara for 2013.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l)of the Defamation Act 2009, 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 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 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 Mr. Keatinge to make his opening statement.