Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will read the note on privilege again. Witnesses giving evidence within parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence given to the committee. This means witnesses have a full defence against any defamation action from anything said at the committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected to not 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 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 a location outside the parliamentary precinct are asked to note 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 on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publications by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee and to any matters arising from the proceedings.

We will take the second half of Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Heydon's statement on fertiliser as read, as all Members here have read it.