Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I want to bring to the witnesses' 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, witnesses 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 that, insofar 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.

In today's second session, we will hear from officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ms Louise Byrne, deputy chief inspector; Ms Deirdre Fay, senior inspector in the horticulture and plant health division; and Ms Angela Robinson, principal officer in the food industry development division. We will also hear from officials from Teagasc: Professor Frank O'Mara, director; and Mr. Dermot Callaghan, head of horticulture development. They are all welcome to today's meeting. I will now allow them five minutes each to make a presentation and then we will proceed into the question-and-answer session.