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

Before I begin, I remind members and witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure mobile phones are turned off.

We are here to discuss today the announcement by the UK Government regarding its withdrawal from the 1964 London Convention. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his officials here today and thank them for meeting the committee on the announcement of the UK Government regarding its withdrawal from the 1964 London Fisheries Convention.

Before beginning I bring the attention of attendees to the fact that 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 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The Minister may make his opening statement.