Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Good afternoon everyone. Please note that Deputy MacLochlainn is substituting for Deputy Kerrane. I remind members, staff and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones.

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 that 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 may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on certain issues. 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. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice in this regard. 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to utterances of members participating online at a committee meeting when that participation is within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts and any attempt to do so will result in said member having his or her online access removed.

The purpose of today's meeting is to examine the deepening crisis in the inshore fishing industry in Ireland. In its first session, the committee will hear from representatives National Inshore Fishermen's Association, NIFA, namely, Mr. Michael Desmond, Mr. John Menarry and Mr. Eamon Dixon, who are all very welcome to the meeting. The opening statement has been circulated to members. I invite the witnesses to make their opening statement now and then we will proceed with a question-and-answer session.