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

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are completely switched off. We will now discuss the impact of Brexit on agriculture, food and the marine. I welcome from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Paul Savage, head of the Brexit and international trade division; Ms Hazel Sheridan, senior superintending veterinary inspector; Mr. Barry Delany, senior inspector, horticulture and plant health division; Mr. Kevin Gilligan, head of human resources division; Ms Josephine Kelly, head of sea fisheries policy division; and Ms Louise Kissane, deputy head of accommodation division. I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee to brief and update members on the impact of Brexit on agriculture, food and the marine.

I draw the witnesses attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and 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 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. Savage to make his opening statement.