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

Before we begin, 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 beef sector in the context of Food Wise 2025. It is the second day of our hearings. Last week, we had quite a long session involving a number of farming organisations. In this session, we will hear from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA. From the association, I thank Mr. Patrick Kent, president, Mr. Edmund Graham, beef chairman, and Mr. Eddie Punch, general secretary, for their attendance. From Macra na Feirme, I welcome Mr. James Healy, president, Mr. Derrie Dillon, agricultural affairs manager, and Ms Jennifer Keegan, agricultural policy officer. I thank the witnesses for their submissions, which were received earlier and read in great detail by members. I will restrict witnesses' opening statements to five minutes per group in order that the question and answer session will be more beneficial for everybody.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons 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. Kent to make his opening statement.