Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I bring to their attention that witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence given to the committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action 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. I remind them of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse comment should be made against any identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are to 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 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 the publication by them, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

In this final session, we will hear from representatives of Macra na Feirme. They are Ms Elaine Houlihan, president, Dr. Liam Hanrahan, national agricultural affairs chairperson, and Dr. Maria Snell, senior policy and research officer. They are very welcome. I will allow them five minutes to make their presentation. We will then proceed to a question-and-answer session.