Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The topic for discussion this afternoon is the uncertainty facing farmers regarding the eligibility of marginal land under the new basic payment scheme and issues concerning GLAS. I remind members, witnesses and those in the gallery to please turn off their mobile phones.

I welcome Dr. Kevin Smyth, assistant secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dr. Al Grogan, senior inspector, Mr. Paud Evans, principal officer, Mr. Thomas Harty, assistant agricultural inspector, and Mr. Lorcan O’Shea, senior inspector. I thank them for coming before the committee today and for bearing with us while members had time to digest the documents. It was considered that it would be beneficial to the discussions for members to have a chance to review the documents, given that they are detailed and we received them rather late.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, 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. 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 Dr. Smyth to make his opening statement.