Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important because, if they are not, it causes serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff. Today's meeting focuses on the implications for Ireland of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in regard to the agriculture and food sectors and it follows on from the meeting we held on this more than 18 months ago. I am delighted to welcome the president of the Irish Farmers' Association, Mr. Joe Healy, the deputy president of the Ulster Farmers' Union, Mr. Victor Chestnutt, the president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Mr. Pat McCormack, and all their colleagues to update the committee on the implications of Brexit for the agriculture and food sectors.

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.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The climate change committee meeting is running in parallel to this one. A number of members are on both committees so I excuse in advance those who have to come and go. The witnesses are all experienced in appearing before committees so they will appreciate the fluidity of the situation.

I invite Mr. Healy to make his remarks first, and he will be followed by Mr. Chestnutt and Mr. McCormack.