Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I bring to witnesses' attention that when giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on an issue. 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 are to give 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 and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside 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 either a person outside the Houses 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 in the committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. Any attempt to do so will result in a member having his or her online access removed.

The purpose of the second session today is Ireland's forest strategy implementation plan. The committee will hear from the following officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Mr. Brendan Gleeson, Secretary General, Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary general, and Mr. Barry Delany, director of forestry. I welcome our guests to this evening's meeting and ask Mr. Gleeson to present his opening statement.