Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Welcome back. There has been a change in Chair. There is a vote in the Dáil, so I am taking over for the time being. We have representatives here from the Irish Farmers’ Association, IFA, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA and Macra na Feirme.

Before we go any further, I must read a note privilege so the witnesses are aware of where they are legally regarding this. 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 a 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. Since there are no witnesses outside the precinct, we will now move ahead.

We are resuming pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the veterinary medicinal products, medicated feed and fertilisers regulation Bill 2022. Due to time constraints, submissions will be read by members. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We will go to members. I will move swiftly to Senator Paul Daly.