Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the following officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Mr. Bill Callanan, chief inspector; Mr. John Muldowney, principal officer; Dr. Michelle Kearney, principal officer; Dr. Pamela Boyle, agricultural inspector; and Mr. Seamus Dunne, senior inspector. From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I welcome Mr. Fintan Towey, assistant secretary in the water division; Mr. Colin Byrne, senior water adviser; Dr. Marie Archbold, water adviser; and Ms Deirdre Dunworth, assistant principal.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I invite Mr. Callanan to deliver his opening statement.