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

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are completely turned off. This session will involve an update from departmental officials on the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, negotiations. From the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I welcome Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary general, Mr. Fran Morrin, principal officer, Ms Sharon Murphy, principal officer, Mr. Jack Nolan, senior inspector, and Ms Corina Roe, principal officer. I thank them for coming before us to update the committee on the CAP negotiations for the post-2020 period.

Witnesses 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 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 these proceedings is to be given and 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, them 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. Savage to make his opening statement.