Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session. I welcome members of the organic farming scheme today. Before we begin I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely as they cause interference with the broadcasting equipment.

I welcome the representatives from Bord Bia Ms Eileen Bentley, entrepreneurship manager, Mr. Mark Zieg, sector manager for beef and Mr. Declan Fennell, sector manager for sheep and special marketing initiatives. I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee to discuss the organic farming scheme.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 Ms Bentley to make her opening statement.