Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We need a comprehensive solution in respect of the issues we are facing. I hope that as a result of this series of meetings, we will be able to go to the various Ministers with concrete proposals for how we embrace the technology that is available and move things forward to ensure sustainable food production. That has become even more pertinent as a result of the war in Ukraine and the vulnerability of food supply.

I welcome everyone to the second session of the meeting. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. That means a witness has a full defence against any defamation action from anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in that regard. I remind them of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that as far as reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the committee of any matter arising from the proceedings.

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. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in a committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance relating to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts, and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

In this second sessions we will deal with the same subject matter and will hear from representatives of EASYFIX Livestock Comfort. Those representatives are: Mr. Michael Earls, managing director; Mr. P.J. Burke, sales director; Mr. Niall Earls, director of production and planning; Mr. Michael Parker, adviser; and Mr. Ronan Boyle, director of business development. I call on a representative of EASYFIX to make an opening statement. You are very welcome, gentlemen.