John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will now resume in public session. We are looking at the cost of business insurance. I welcome Mr. Padraig Cribben, chief executive officer with the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Mr. Donall O'Keeffe, chief executive officer with the Licensed Vintners Association. Deputies must attend the Dáil for a vote and 12.45 p.m. and the Senators must go to their business at 1.30 p.m. I ask the witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are turned off. I wish to advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l ) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Mr. Cribben to make his opening statement.