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

I remind members and witnesses to ensure that mobile phones are completely turned off. We are here to get an update on plans to improve the health and welfare of greyhounds, as a follow-up to a previous appearance before the committee last July. I welcome from Bord na gCon, Mr. Nyhan, the chairman, Mr. Gerard Dollard, the chief executive officer, Mr. Denis Healy, the veterinary director, and Mr. Pat Herbert, the head of regulation. I thank them for coming in. Following from their previous engagement with the committee in July, we requested that they come back to update the committee on how Bord na gCon is tackling these problems and what it is doing to protect and maintain animal welfare across the greyhound industry.

Witnesses 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 ask Mr. Nyhan to make his opening statement.