Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

Apologies have been received from Deputy Fitzmaurice. Deputy Collins will substitute for him.

Before I proceed I have a few housekeeping matters to go through. In accordance with Standing Orders I wish to make the following declaration:

Dearbhaím go sollúnta go ndéanfaidh mé, go cuí agus go dílis agus a mhéid is eol agus is cumas dom, oifig Chathaoirleach an Choiste um Thalmhaíocht agus Bia a fheidhmiú gan scáth gan fabhar, na rialacha mar atá siad leagtha síos ag an Teach seo a chur i bhfeidhm go cothrom neamhchlaonta, ord a choimeád agus cearta agus pribhléidí comhaltaí a chaomhnú de réir an Bhunreachta agus na mBuan-Orduithe.

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Agriculture and Food without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by the House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any member participating via Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I would like to remind members 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Ar an gcead dul síos, fáiltím roimh na comhaltaí anseo inniu. Tá áthas orm a bheith tofa mar Chathaoirleach ar an gComhchoiste um Thalmhaíocht agus Bia. Fáiltím roimh na Baill atá anseo mar bhaill. Beidh clár gnóthach againn amach anseo. Beimid ag leagan síos an chláir níos déanaí. Tá an-chuid rudaí tábhachtach ó thaobh cúrsaí talmhaíochta. Tagraím don eitinn, don CAP nua, do chúrsaí foraoiseachta agus do go leor eile. Beimid ag lorg a leithéid a chur ar chlár ár gcoiste amach anseo.

I wish members a good afternoon. I am delighted to have been appointed as Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food. I welcome members of the committee. We are going to be setting out a programme of work over the next while. There is such a range of issues we want to have on that clár, from TB to forestry to social farming. I will be proposing we put these on with the agreement of the committee. I am conscious members have so many issues they want to raise as well. We will do that as part of putting together the programme between now and our next meeting.

Before moving on, are there any remarks from members? I call Deputy Healy-Rae.