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

I welcome Mr. Jim Power and thank him for accepting our invitation to discuss the impact on the Irish agriculture and fisheries sectors of the referendum result on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union. As he may be aware, the joint committee has held a number of meetings on the issue and today we would like to hear his comments on the implications for the Irish agriculture and fisheries sectors of the decision by the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union.

I draw 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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 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 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 invite Mr. Power to make his opening statement. Members will then have an opportunity to ask questions.