Chairman:

We are now in public session. I welcome our witnesses today to discuss the impact on the Irish agriculture, food and fisheries sectors of the UK referendum on membership of the European Union. I remind members and witnesses and persons in the Public Gallery to please turn off their mobile phones for the duration of the meeting.

I welcome Mr. Trevor Donnellan and Dr. Kevin Hanrahan from Teagasc to discuss the likely impact of Brexit, with particular emphasis on the Irish agrifood and fisheries sectors. The committee is aware of Teagasc's report entitled Brexit - the Potential Implications for Irish Agri-Food Sector, published in April 2016, a copy of which has been circulated to members.

Before we begin, I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her 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 understand that both witnesses will make an opening statement. I invite Dr. Hanrahan to make his contribution.