Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Paul Daly, who, unfortunately, has a family bereavement. Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones. The purpose of today's meeting is to undertake an examination of the forestry strategic vision. In this session we will hear from Ms Imelda Hurley, chief executive of Coillte and Mr. Mark Carlin, managing director of Coillte Forest. 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 within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a 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 give evidence from 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 a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice in this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that members should not comment on, criticise, or make charges either against a person outside the House 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 the committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance in relation to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The agenda for today relates to the forestry strategy vision. I now call on Ms Hurley to read her opening statement.