Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure their mobile phones are completely turned off as they affect the broadcasting system. I welcome representatives of the IFA to this meeting to discuss the recent bad weather and its effect on the grain harvest this year: Mr. Joe Healy, president; Mr. Liam Dunne, grain chairman; Mr. David O'Brien from IFA Cork; Mr. John Daly from IFA Galway; Mr. Fintan Conway, grain executive; and Mr. Jim O'Regan from IFA Cork. I also welcome tillage farmers from right around the country in the Public Gallery.

I bring to the witnesses' attention that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence regarding a particular matter and they 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 and they 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. 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Healy to make an opening statement, after which I will call on members to ask questions.