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

I remind members, witnesses and people in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

I welcome Mr. Michael Cavanagh, chairman and Mr. Seán O'Donoghue, chief executive officer of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation; Mr. Francis O'Donnell, chief executive officer, Irish Fish Producers Organisation; Mr. Hugo Boyle, chief executive officer, Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation; Mr. Patrick Murphy, chief executive officer and Mr. John D. Sullivan, chairman and Mr. Greg Casey, adviser, Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation Limited and Mr. Lorcán Ó Cinnéide, national secretary, Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association. I thank all of them for coming to this meeting to discuss the impact of the UK referendum on membership of the EU on the Irish agrifood and fisheries sector.

Before we begin, I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that they 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 Mr. Seán O'Donoghue will make an opening statement on behalf of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, the Irish Fish Producers Organisation and the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation. I now invite him to do so.