Chairman:

I welcome the delegation from the Marine Institute. Dr. Peter Heffernan is the chief executive, Ms Caroline Bocquel is director of corporate services, Dr. Paul Connolly is director of fisheries, Mr. John Evans is director of policy innovation and research services, Mr. Mick Gillooly is director of ocean science and information services and Mr. Liam Lacey is the director of the Irish maritime development office. I thank the witnesses for attending the meeting to discuss issues pertaining to their particular area of responsibility.

I remind members, witnesses and persons in the Gallery to switch off their mobile phones.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Dr. Heffernan to make his opening statement.