Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones.

I bring it to the witnesses’ attention that when giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means witnesses will have full defence in any defamation action arising from 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 I remind them 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 on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters 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 a 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 the utterances of members participating online in a committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance with regard to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The first session of today's meeting will undertake an examination of Ireland's water quality, plans for the interim review and engagement with the European Commission regarding the nitrates derogation. The committee will hear from Mr. David Flynn, principal adviser in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's water division, and Mr. Bill Callanan, chief inspector, and Mr. Ted Massey, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The witnesses' opening statements have been circulated to members and are taken as read. I will now allow them to make a five-minute presentation. We will then go into a question-and-answer session.