Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

There are no apologies. Before we begin, I will read the note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action taken based on anything they say in the committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's discretion. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, where reasonable and unless there is no alternative, no commentary should be made identifying a third person or entity. Witnesses giving evidence from outside the location of the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same legal immunity as witnesses giving evidence from inside the parliamentary precincts and may consider taking legal advice on this matter.

I welcome the Minister. Tá fáilte romhat anseo, a Aire. I welcome the Minister and his officials to today's meeting, the first public meeting of the committee with witnesses in attendance. The agenda for our meeting is to meet with the Minister for agriculture, food and fisheries and the marine, Deputy Martin Heydon. The officials accompanying the Minister are Sinéad McPhillips, assistant secretary, international affairs and rural development; Paul Savage, assistant secretary, rural development and forestry; Conor O'Mahony, principal officer, ERAD veterinary medicines; Damien Barrett, senior superintendent vet inspector, ERAD ruminant animal health; and Ted Massey, senior inspector, nitrates, biodiversity and engineering.

The Minister may call on his officials to speak briefly for clarification during a meeting where the specific or technical point arises. The officials can clarify issues to the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister because he is the accountable person before the committee. We have the Minister's opening statement. It is the first public meeting of the committee and we wanted to meet with him particularly on a number of specific issues that are really troubling people locally. They are TB, the new CAP, nitrates, GAEC 2 and ACRES. There will be an opportunity after the opening statement for the members to address questions to the Minister.