Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted that we are joined by Ms Verona Murphy, president of the Irish Road Hauliers Association. From the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland, FCI, we are joined by Mr. Michael Moroney, chief executive officer; Mr. Richard White, national vice chairman; Mr. Peter Farrelly, national secretary, and Mr. Norman Egar who is a farm contractor. From Tullamore Motors we are joined by Mr. John Farrell, general manager, and Ms Yvonne Kinnarney. We are also joined by Mr Harry Lee from Lee and Associates Consultants. I thank everyone for attending.

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 joint 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.

The running order is the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland which will be followed by Mr. Harry Lee, the Irish Road Hauliers Association and Tullamore Motors. The opening statements should be no longer than five minutes, following which it will be open to committee members to question the delegates on any aspect of the presentations and related matters. I invite Mr. Moroney from the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland to make his opening statement.