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

I again remind members, as well as those in the Visitors Gallery, to ensure their mobile phones are turned off completely as they interfere with the broadcasting of the proceedings.

I welcome from the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association Ms Gillian Westbrook, chief executive officer; Mr. Padraig Fahy, director; Mr. John Liston, director, and Ms Grace Maher, development officer; and from Organic Trust CLG Ms Helen Scully, chief executive officer; Mr. Patrick Lalor, member of the board of management, and Mr. Philip Roddy, member of the board of management. I thank them for coming before the joint committee to discuss the challenges facing the organic farming sector. The committee would also like to hear their views on the recommendations made in the report produced by the previous committee on the organic farming scheme.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 understand Ms Westbrook will make the opening statement.