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

I welcome members and witnesses. Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to make sure their mobile phones are turned off. Apologies have been received from Senator Michelle Mulherin.

We are meeting today to discuss unfair trading practices. I welcome Ms Christine Tacon, the UK Groceries Code Adjudicator, and thank her for coming before the committee today to update us on her role in respect of compliance and enforcement of the grocery supply code of practice and unfair trading practices pursuant to her engagement with retailers. I am delighted to have her here today. We have been following her progress since her appointment five years ago. Some members might have met Ms Tacon in the hotel this morning. Some of us met her three or four years ago when she made a presentation. I would also like to welcome Ms Faye Williams, head of operations at the UK Groceries Code Adjudicator.

Before we begin, I draw attention to the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. 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 or her 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 of these Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Tacon to make her opening statement.