Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings.

During the first part of the meeting which will be in two parts we will discuss issues relating to the sheep sector. During the second we will discuss issues relating to the dairy sector. I welcome from the Irish Farmers Association Mr. Eddie Downey, president, and his colleagues, Mr. John Lynskey, chairman, national sheep committee; Mr. Peter Shields, vice chairman, national sheep committee; Mr. Kevin Kinsella, director of livestock, and Mr. Pat Smith, general secretary. I thank them for appearing before the joint committee to discuss issues relating to the sheep sector.

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. Downey to make his opening statement which I understand will be followed by some remarks by Mr. Lynskey.