Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will resume with the second session of this meeting when we will hear from the following representatives of the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA: Mr Tim Cullinan, president; Mr Tadhg Buckley, director of policy; and Dr. Aine O’Connell, dairy policy executive. The IFA are accompanied by a representative from Environmental Risk Solutions, Mr. Shane Herlihy, managing director.

I had better read the piece on privilege in case any witnesses say something they should not. Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means witnesses will have a 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.

Our guest speakers are welcome to today's meeting. Their opening statements have been circulated to committee members and will be taken as read. I will allow the president to make a five-minute presentation and will then go into questions and answers. I call Mr. Cullinan to speak.