Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Patrick Murphy, chief executive officer, Mr. John Sullivan, chairman, Mr. Greg Casey and Mr. Ronan Sheehy from the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation, CLG. I also welcome Mr. Tom Kennedy from Daingean Uí Chúis fishermen's committee and Ms Nora Parke, project co-ordinator with Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation Limited. Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir agus gabhaim míle buíochas libh as an taisteal mór suas go dtí Teach Laighin inniu.

I wish to draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I wish to advise them that their opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting. 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 now call on a representative of the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation to address the committee.