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

I remind members and witnesses to make their mobile phones are completely turned off. We will now discuss the unfair trading practices directive and the future of the beef sector in the context of Food Wise 2025. I welcome Ms Isolde Goggin, chairperson, and Mr. Fergal O'Leary who is a member of the commission, from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss unfair trading practices. Over recent weeks the committee has held hearings on the future of the beef sector in the context of Food Wise 2025. Anti-competitive practices have been raised regularly during these hearings. The committee wishes to address any concerns that the CCPC may have on the allegations of anti-competitive practices in the beef sector and any observations on the Glanbia-Kepak Twenty20 Beef Club initiative, which the committee dealt with some weeks ago. The committee raised the issue with the CCPC prior to its attendance at today's meeting and we are interested in its observations on this.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 they are 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Ms Goggin to make her opening statement.