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

I welcome the departmental officials. Before we begin, I remind them that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. This means a witness has a full defence in any defamation action in respect of anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed, at the Chair's discretion, to cease giving evidence on an issue. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that, so far as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who 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 does a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice in this regard. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings of the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting where 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 the member having his or her online access removed.

There are no apologies from members unable to attend. Our business today is to discuss delays in payments from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under its various schemes. I welcome Mr. Francis Morrin, assistant secretary; Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary; Mr. Thomas Harty, principal officer; Ms Josephine Brennan, principal officer; Mr. Jack Nolan, principal officer; Mr. Pat Morrisson, agricultural inspector; and Ms Margaret Brennan, assistant principal officer.

Copies of Mr. Morrin's opening statement have been circulated to members. He has five minutes to make his opening remarks, after which we will proceed to questions from members.