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

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are completely turned off as they affect the broadcasting system.

We are meeting to discuss the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 and domestic aspects of the fish quotas allocation within the Irish fishing industry. I welcome the witnesses and thank them for coming before the committee to discuss the Bill, which is currently on Committee Stage in the Seanad. The committee would like to hear their views and comments on domestic aspects of fish quotas allocation within the fishing industry. From the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, KFO, I welcome Mr. Seán O’Donoghue, CEO, and Mr. Pauric Conneely, director; from the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, IFPO, Mr. Francis O'Donnell, CEO, Mr. Michael Flannery, deputy chair, Mr. Dermot Conway, solicitor, Ms Cara Rawdon, director, and Mr. Niall Connolly, director; from the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation, ISEFPO, Mr. Hugo Boyle, CEO; from the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, ISWFPO, Mr. John D. Sullivan, chair, Mr. Patrick Murphy, CEO, and Mr. Greg Casey; and from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, NIFF, Mr. Alex Crowley, chair, Ms Trudy McIntyre, member, and Mr. Richard Guildea, member.

I wish to bring to the attention of witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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 they are 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 they 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 invite Mr. O'Donoghue to deliver his opening statement.