Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome to this meeting Mr. John Keane, president, Mr. Shane Fitzgerald, chair of the agricultural affairs committee and Ms Gillian Richardson, agricultural and rural affairs policy officer from Macra na Feirme . I also welcome Dr. Oliver Moore from UCC. On behalf of the committee, I thank and welcome you all for attending today's meeting to share your expertise.

I will begin with a note on privilege. I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her, or it identifiable, or to otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness’s statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, he or she will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction. For witnesses who are attending remotely, from outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as does a witness who is physically present. Members of the committee 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 remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members prior to making their contributions to the meeting that they confirmed that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. For anyone watching this meeting online, Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely. Only I, as Chair, and the necessary staff essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to these circumstances, and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask that everyone bear with us should any technical issues arise. I will now call on Mr. Keane to make his opening statement.