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

We have received apologies from Deputy Richard Bruton and Senator Alice-Mary Higgins.

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to have a discussion about the role of the new chairperson of Inland Fisheries Ireland and his strategic vision for the agency and the future contributions of IFI and the board. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Professor Tom Collins, the new chair of Inland Fisheries Ireland, to the meeting. You are very welcome, Professor Collins.

Before we begin, I will read out the note on privilege. I remind our guest of the long-standing parliamentary practice that he 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. If his statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct him to discontinue his remarks, and it is imperative he comply with any such direction. As our witness today is attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, he may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present on the campus does.

Members of the committee 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind Members that they are allowed to participate in this meeting only if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In that regard, I ask those Members who are joining us online to confirm, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, that they are indeed on the grounds of Leinster House.

I now call on Professor Collins to make his opening statement.