Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

Táimíd i seisiún poiblí anois. We are now in public session. Before we begin, I must read out a note on privilege. Those who have been at meetings of this committee previously will have heard this already but I must read it into the record. 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, as witnesses, they have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at the committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by me to cease giving evidence on an issue.

Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They 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 who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts - and I do not believe this situation arises today - will be asked to note 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 the witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from proceedings.

Our members have heard this many times already, but I wish to advise them of the constitutional requirements that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member partaking via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution, confirm verbally that they are on the grounds of Leinster House. Members are reminded 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 members to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The agenda for today's meeting is aquaculture, innovation and development. The committee will hear from two sets of witnesses. Representing Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, we have Ms Caroline Bocquel, chief executive officer; Mr. Richard Donnelly, interim CEO and director of development and innovation services; Mr. Rory Campbell, director of seafood technical services; and Dr. Emmet Jackson, director of economic and strategic services. From the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, aquaculture committee, we have Mr. Finian O'Sullivan, chairperson; Ms Catherine McManus, vice chairperson; and Ms Teresa Morrissey, aquaculture policy executive.

Both sets of witnesses have provided opening statements, which have been circulated. I will give each group five minutes to either read their opening statements or give a five-minute summary. I ask the witnesses to note that under the screens around the room are countdown timers and to keep an eye on those in order that we can get through the business of the meeting. Following the opening statements, we will go to a question-and-answer format. Members will have ten minutes each. That time is for both questions and responses. There can be back and forth. I will leave it to members to direct their questions to individual witnesses or sets of witnesses, and to come back in to ask follow-up questions within the ten minutes. If time allows, we will go to a second round.

I invite the witnesses from Bord Iascaigh Mhara to make their opening statement.