Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are in public session. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome Mr. John Comer, who is the president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association; Mr. Pat McCormack, who is the deputy president of the association; Mr. John Enright, who is the general secretary of the association; and Mr. Paul Smyth, who is the association's policy officer. I thank them for coming before the committee today and apologise for the delay in beginning proceedings. We had an extensive agenda of private business to deal with before we could start.

I know the witnesses are familiar with the matter of privilege, but I have to bring it to their attention again. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence. 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 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 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.