Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are joined by representatives of the Veterinary Council of Ireland. I welcome Ms Niamh Muldoon, Mr. Joe Moffitt and Dr. Ailís Ní Ríain. I will presently invite them to make their opening statement, which will be followed by questions and answers.

Before doing so, I must read the following important notice regarding parliamentary privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be entitled only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the subject matter of these proceedings may 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 a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

It is great that witnesses can make opening statements again in our committee rooms. Ms Muldoon is more than welcome to this meeting of the committee. I invite her to make her opening statement.