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

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to make sure their mobile phones are turned off completely as they interfere with the recording and broadcasting services, even when left in silent mode. Mobile phones should remain turned off for the duration of the meeting.

We are meeting to discuss the regulation of veterinary practices in veterinary medicine and the ownership of veterinary practices. From the Veterinary Council of Ireland I welcome Mr. Peadar Ó Scanáill, president, and Ms Niamh Muldoon, registrar and CEO. I thank them for coming before the joint committee to discuss the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine in the context of corporate ownership in Ireland. I Ms Muldoon every success in her recent appointment. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of her for many years to come.

I draw attention to the fact that 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 the 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 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.