Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Mary Ann O'Brien. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones. We are meeting to discuss the national strategic plan for sustainable aquaculture development. I welcome from the Irish Farmers Association, Mr. Richie Flynn, aquaculture executive secretary, aquaculture committee, from The Environmental Pillar, Mr. Michael Ewing, co-ordinator, Ms Karin Dubsky and Mr. Rory Keatinge, from Iascairí Intíre Cois Cladach na hÉireann, Mr. Eamon O'Corcora and Mr. John Connolly, and from the Irish Seal Sanctuary, sea fisheries advisory group, Mr. Brendan Price.

I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee to discuss issues contained in the draft national strategic plan published by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which seeks to chart a path for developing a sustainable aquaculture industry. The committee was notified of the process and that a draft policy had been published and a consultation process was under way. In order to assist the committee in preparing its submission to the draft plan, we decided to invite in a number of representative organisations. The timeframe was short and that is why the meeting is being held at this hour on a Wednesday evening. Committee room availability is limited and I appreciate that some people have travelled quite a distance to be present this evening.

I advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. 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 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

As there are four groups, I propose that each group have ten minutes to make an opening statement, after which we will go to questions from members. A Bill is on Report Stage in the Dáil and some votes may be called. I have agreement from the Whip that if a member stays, such as Deputy Martin Ferris or Deputy Pringle, to cancel me out, we can continue the meeting rather than suspend, which would be unfair.