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

I apologise to our witnesses that the committee's previous business went on a bit longer than expected. Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to ensure that their mobile phones are completely turned off.

I welcome the members of the Irish Harness Racing Association, Mr. Arthur Cooper and Mr. Mark Flanagan, and thank them for coming before the committee to discuss the report on the Irish harness racing sector undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants and commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Before we begin, I bring to the witnesses' attention the fact that they 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Cooper to make his opening statement.