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

We have apologies received from Senator Daly.

Before we start, I wish to bring to the committee's attention that witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precinct are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means a witness has full defence in any defamation action of anything said at a 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 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 giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precinct should note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precinct and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the committee of any matter arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the House 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 a committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precinct. Any attempt to do so will result in the member having their online access removed.

The agenda for today's meeting is the ash dieback and other forestry issues. The committee will hear from the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture, Deputy Healy Rae. The Minister of State is accompanied by the following officials: Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary general; Mr. Barry Delany, director of forestry; Mr. Seamus Dunne, senior forestry inspector; and Mr. Robert Mooney, head of the forestry division.

I remind members, witnesses and the Minister of State that we will direct our questions to the Minister of State who I will now allow five minutes to give his opening statement before we go ahead with questions and answers.