Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome, from the Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation, Ms Brigid Frank, chairperson, Mr. Edward Gus Ryan, honorary vice-president, Mr. Tony Walsh, delegate for Mullingar Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association, GOBA, and Ms Brenda Powderly, secretary, and thank them for appearing before the committee to discuss the greyhound racing industry in Ireland.

Before we begin, I must bring to our guests' attention that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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 of the committee have already been reminded of their responsibilities in this regard.

I invite Ms Frank to make her opening statement.