Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As Mr. Walker is still not with us, I suggest that we move on to the Irish Farm Film Producers Group, IFFPG. Is that agreed? Agreed. The purpose of this session is to discuss the collection and recycling of farm plastics. We have been joined by Mr. Liam Moloney, general manager, Mr. Tom Dunne, chairperson and Ms Geraldine O'Sullivan, company secretary, IFFPG. You are all very welcome to the meeting. I thank you for attending to clarify a number of issues for the committee. We have received the group's opening statement and it has been circulated to members. We are limited on time due to Covid-19 safety restrictions. The committee has agreed that opening statements will be taken as read such that the full session can be used for questions and answers. All opening statements are published on the Oireachtas website, and publicly available.

Before we begin, I wish to point out to witnesses that they 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 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 or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Participants in the committee meeting who are in locations outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that the constitutional protections afforded to those participating from within the parliamentary precincts do not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on whether or the extent to which participation is covered by the absolute privilege of a statutory nature.

I will now open the floor to questions from members. As Deputy Leddin has indicated that he has another engagement I will allow him to go first. He will be followed by Senator Boyhan.