Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses, and persons of the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. The purpose of today's meeting is to examine the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Act 1986, and the strategic priorities of Rásaíocht Con Éireann. In the first session, the committee will hear from representatives of the Department of Rural and Community Development on the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and, in the second session, it will hear from representatives of Rásaíocht Con Éireann on the priorities for the greyhound industry.

From 28 February, the legal requirement of mask wearing in all sectors has been removed. However, it is still good practice to continue to use face masks, particularly in crowded areas. The Service encourages all members of the parliamentary community to wear face masks while moving around the campus or when in close proximity to others.

Before we begin, I want to bring to witnesses' attention the matter of privilege. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at the committee. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this 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 this regard and they are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who give evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precinct 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 and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice in this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside of the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise, comment on, or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way that could make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting when they participate from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurances in relation to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when contributing.

In the first session, we will hear from representatives of the Department of Rural and Community Development. We are joined by Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, assistant secretary; Mr. Paul Geraghty, principal officer; Ms Catherine Burns, assistant principal and Ms Teresa Gavaghan, higher executive officer. I call on Ms Nic Aongusa to make her opening statement.