Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the final part of the meeting, we will receive the update we requested on the beef data and genomics programme. I welcome the witnesses from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Mr. Brendan Gleeson, who is an assistant secretary general; Mr. Colm Hayes, who is a principal officer; Mr. Frank Macken, who is an agricultural inspector; Mr. Peter Johnston, who is a higher executive officer; and Ms Carmel Delahunt, who is an assistant principal. I thank them for attending this meeting to brief the committee on the beef data and genomics programme.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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. 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 an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members have already been reminded of their responsibilities in this regard. I invite Mr. Gleeson to make his opening statement.