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

I remind members and witnesses to make sure that mobile phones are turned off, please. At the second part of the meeting, to discuss different approaches and new opportunities in Irish agriculture, I welcome, from BASE Ireland, Mr. Louis McAuley, chairman, Mr. Conor O'Flaherty and Mr. Jonny Greene. The committee thanks them for coming today to discuss the issue of conservation in agriculture and the potential benefits and opportunities that it offers.

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 any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I invite Mr. O'Flaherty to make his opening statement.