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

I welcome everyone to the meeting. Apologies have been received from Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Senator Tim Lombard. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure that mobile phones are turned off.

Today's meeting is being held to discuss issues concerning the ongoing fodder shortages and the drought issues being experienced in farming communities in certain parts of the country. We will have two sessions. In the first session, we will have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, and in the second session, we will have representatives from the banks and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, SBCI.

I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, and his officials for appearing before the committee to discuss these very important issues. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask the Minister to make his opening statement and after that I will ask members to put their questions on that subject.