Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Sharon McMahon and Mr. Barry Fox from the Loughs Agency, Mr. Brian Kavanagh from Horse Racing Ireland and Mr. John Comer and Mr. John Enright from the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA. This will be a very interesting session with a range of issues to consider. We are particularly interested in hearing from the all-island bodies in respect of the following questions: What do the witnesses believe to be the greatest challenges to the areas for which their organisations are responsible? What are the potential solutions? What impacts do they expect on their organisational structures?

We were delighted that Mr. Comer and Mr. Enright were able to join this session. A couple of weeks ago, a number of delegates discussed the main areas in the agriculture sector. The segment represented by the ICMSA was, however, missing. We are grateful to them for filling in that gap today.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons 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 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 invite Mr. Kavanagh to make his opening statement. After the opening statements, we will open the floor to questions.