Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I draw attention to a 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, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable 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 level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses 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 proceedings.

The committee will now hear from officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. They are Dr. Maria Destefanis, agricultural inspector; Ms Caroline Garvan, senior superintending veterinary inspector; Ms Noreen Galvin, veterinary inspector; Ms Janice Whelan, assistant principal officer; and Mr. Bill Callanan, chief inspector.

Our time is limited. The statement has been circulated. I ask Ms Garvan to keep her contribution to two minutes and then we will move on to members for questions. Six minute slots will put us under pressure. Can we do five minute slots and in that way allow ten members to ask questions? In that way we will move through it as quickly as we can.