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

We are now back in public session. I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are completely turned off. I welcome and thank the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, to the committee to discuss the rural development programme expenditure. I also welcome his officials. This programme provides integral support to Ireland's rural and farming communities. Today's discussion will mainly focus on the budget for the rural development programme and the commitments given under the six schemes in same.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.