Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I bring to everyone's attention that 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 relating to anything said at a committee meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse that 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. 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 giving 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. They 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 those proceedings.

I welcome Mr. Pat Farrell, projects manager; Ms Aoibheann Connor, senior technical manager; and Ms Lynne Sweetman, managing director of the retail division, Keelings:. A number of our members have left to go to a vote in the Seanad but they will return to us. I invite Ms Sweetman to give a five-minute opening statement and then we will have questions and answers.