Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind all witnesses, members and those in the Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. Today's meeting is the continued examination of the horticultural peat supply. The committee will hear from representatives of Growing Media Ireland, the Commercial Mushroom Producers Co-operative Society Limited and the Kildare Growers Group. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has declined our request to come before the committee in respect of this matter. As Chair, I am disappointed that we have the industry in again on the same subject. I would have hoped, when we dealt with it before, that more progress would have been made. I am disappointed that we have to revisit the supply of peat to the horticulture industry. All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. 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 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 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. 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses 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 utterances of members participating online in this committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurances in the context of participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts. Members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

From Growing Media Ireland, GMI, we are joined by, Mr. John Neenan, chair, Mr. Kevin Mahon of Klasmann-Deilmann and Mr. James Spillane of Westland Horticulture.

From the Commercial Mushroom Producers, CMP, Co-operative Society Limited, we are joined by Ms Orla McManus, chief executive, and Mr. Mel O'Rourke, specialist adviser. Joining us remotely from the Kildare Growers Group, KGG, are Mr. Kieran Dunne and Mr. Patrick Gleeson. I understand they will not be delivering an opening statement, although they will be available to answer questions. I call Mr. Neenan.