Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are more than welcome.

Before we begin, I draw attention to the fact that witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means they have a full defence in any defamation action in respect of anything they say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege, and if directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence, they should do so. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and 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 who give evidence from locations 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 from within the parliamentary precincts. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside of the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

This session is to scrutinise the following legislative proposals: COM (2023) 495, COM (2023) 578 and COM (2023) 587. The witnesses from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will give evidence regarding all three. The witnesses are Ms Sinéad McSherry, Ms Suzanne Brennan, and Ms Anna O'Sullivan. They are all more than welcome and have five minutes in which to make a presentation on the three Commission proposals.