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

I welcome the delegation from Teagasc and apologise for the change of time earlier and for keeping them waiting. I ask members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are turned completely off. There are two sessions today, the first of which is on the future of the tillage sector. I welcome from Teagasc Professor Gerry Boyle, director, Mr. John Spink, head of crops research, and Mr. Michael Hennesy, head of crops knowledge transfer, and thank them for attending before the committee today.

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, 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 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 Professor Boyle to make his opening statement.