Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those attending in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones and devices. I welcome the following witnesses from the IFA vegetable and protected crops committee: Mr. Matt Foley from Rush, who is the chairman of the committee; Mr. Paul Brophy from Naas; Mr. Colm Grimes from Skerries; and Mr. Eddie Doyle from Mooncoin, who is also chairman of the IFA potato committee. They are attending the committee to brief us on the challenges in the Irish horticulture sector, with particular regard to pressure from large supermarkets on the pricing of fresh fruit and vegetables.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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 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. Foley to make his opening statement.