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

From Veterinary Ireland, I welcome Mr. Finbarr Murphy, chief executive, Mr. Conor Geraghty, food animal representative and vice president, Mr. Donal Lynch from its food animal group and a past president, and Mr. Gerry Neary, also from its food animal group and a past president. I thank them for attending to discuss issues concerning bovine TB.

Before we begin, I bring to the attention of the witnesses the fact that they 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 on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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. 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I understand that Mr. Murphy will make the opening statement. I invite him to proceed when he is ready.