Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome representatives from Teagasc here this afternoon, who will give us an update on their position regarding this matter.

For courtesy, I will read the note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence given to the committee. This means that witnesses have full defence against any defamation action taken against them from what they say in the committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse that privilege, and when directed to cease giving evidence on an issue by the Chair, they should do so. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should name any identifiable third party here today. Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, and they should take their own legal advice regarding this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matter arising from the proceedings.

We will now move ahead. How would representatives from Teagasc like to deal with their opening statement?