Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and delegates to turn off their mobile phones. As the meeting is being streamed live on television, it is important that there be no interference by phones, iPads or anything else.

We will have two sessions. In session A we will hear from representatives of the Irish Farmers Association and the Agricultural Consultants Association. In session B we will hear from representatives of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association who, I understand, are present in the Visitors Gallery. I welcome all delegates.

From the IFA we have Mr. Eddie Downey, president; Mr. Pat Dunne, IFA hill chairman; Mr. Flor McCarthy, IFA rural development chairman; Mr. Pat Smith, general secretary; and Mr. Tom Turley, Connacht regional chairman. I believe Mr. Gerry Gunning is also present. From the Agricultural Consultants Association we have Mr. Tom Dawson, president; Mr. Breian Carroll, ACA member; and Mr. Brian Dolan, ACA member. I thank them for appearing before the joint committee to address farmers' concerns about eligible land under the new basic payment scheme and issues concerning the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, commonly known as GLAS.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Downey to make his opening statement.