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

I welcome the delegates from the Irish Sport Horse Alliance, namely, Mr. Barry O'Connor, chairman, and Mr. Greg Broderick and Mr. Ger O'Neill, who are members. I also welcome economist, Mr. Jim Power. I thank them for appearing today to discuss the report on unlocking the economic potential of the Irish sport horse industry.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. 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 invite Mr. O'Connor to make an opening statement.