Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s six-monthly report on developments in the EU. I welcome Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll, Secretary General, Ms Bríd Cannon, assistant secretary general, and Mr. Paul Savage, principal officer, and thank them for coming before the committee to update us. I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 or entity outside the House 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.