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

I remind members and witnesses to ensure that their mobile phones are completely switched off for the duration of the meeting. We will continue to discuss the future of the tillage industry. I welcome representatives from the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association, Ms Gillian Westbrook, CEO; Ms Grace Maher, development officer; Ms Mary Lynch, inspector, tillage farmer and organic adviser; and Mr. Alan Mooney, tillage farmer. I also welcome the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland and its representatives, Ms Patricia Callan, director, and Mr. William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association. I thank them for appearing before the committee today. The committee is reviewing the tillage sector and we hope to produce a report on the sector in the next few weeks.

Before we begin, 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Gillian Westbrook to make her opening statement. Ms Callan will make a statement after Ms Westbrook.