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

Before we begin, 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 services.

I welcome the witnesses here to discuss the challenges in the organic farming sector. I welcome the Organic Farmers Representative Body represented by Mr. Padraic Finnegan, chairman, Mr. Padraic Connelly, secretary, and committee members, Mr. Michael Lambert and Mr. Enda Monaghan. I thank them for their attendance today to highlight the problems in the organic food sector.

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.

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 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 members 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 ask Mr. Finnegan to make an opening statement and when he concludes, members will ask questions.