Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Witnesses giving evidence 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 against any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. While all witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege, they 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. 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 are to give evidence at a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

I welcome all the witnesses, whether they are joining us in person or remotely. They are: Mr. Seán O'Donoghue, CEO, Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation; Mr. Ciaran Doherty, chairman, Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation; Mr. John Lynch, CEO, Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation; Mr. Aodh Ó Domhnaill, CEO, Irish Fish Producers Organisation, who is joining remotely; Mr. Patrick Murphy, CEO, Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation; Mr. John O'Sullivan and Mr. John Tattan, both from the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation, who are joining remotely; and Mr. Jerry Early, Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation, who is joining remotely. We will take the opening statements of all the organisations as read but will allow the representatives to make observations at the start and outline their positions as regards fish quotas and decommissioning. We will then have questions from members. Representatives will have five minutes each. We will start with the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation.