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

Before beginning the discussion I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are completely turned off as they interfere with the broadcasting system. We are here to discuss the report entitled The Economic and Societal Importance of the Irish Suckler Beef Sector.

I welcome from the Irish Farmers Association Mr. Joe Healy, president; Mr. Angus Woods, national livestock chairman; Mr. Kevin Kinsella, director of livestock; and Mr. Damian McDonald, director general. I thank them for coming before the committee to present their report on the economic and societal importance of the suckler beef sector.

Before we begin, I want to bring it to the attention of witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their 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. They are 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 or her 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask Mr. Healy to make his opening statement, after which we will take questions from members.