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

I welcome Professor Gerry Boyle and thank him for coming before the joint committee to discuss Teagasc's annual report for 2017.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or a official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Professor Boyle to make his opening statement.