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

I remind members and persons in the Public Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones, which interfere with the communications system, are turned off completely.

We are dealing today with the hen harrier programme. From Irish Farmers with Designated Land, IFDL, I welcome Mr. Jason Fitzgerald, Mr. Morris Flynn, Mr. Kenneth Fitzgerald and Mr. Sean Kelly. I thank them for attending in order to discuss the programme.

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 ask Mr. Fitzgerald to make his opening statement, then we will go to members for questions.