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

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected to not abuse this privilege, and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either 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 a 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 and any attempt to do so will result in members having their online access removed.

At the moment, there is a debate in the Dáil, so a number of our members are in there. We are expecting that they will make their way in later. Tá fáilte roimh na finnéithe go léir anseo inniu. Táimid ag plé an Common Agricultural Policy. The committee will hear from several groups. We are joined by Ms Karen Mannion, CEO of FORUM Connemara GLC; Mr. Thomas Fitzpatrick, chairperson, and Mr. Philip O'Donnell, research, policy and local affairs officer, of the Local Development Companies Network; Ms Dóirín Graham, chief executive of the Clare Local Development Company; Mr. Eamonn O'Reilly, CEO of North East and West Kerry Development, NEWKD; and Ms Josephine O'Neill, national president, and Ms Elaine Houlihan, ex-president, of Macra na Feirme. Their opening statements have been circulated to members and will be included on the committee's website. Time is short, so I will allow two minutes each for the witnesses to give a brief synopsis of their opening statements. We will then proceed to questions and answers with the members.

I am conscious that a lot of concerns are raised about the structure and shape of the new CAP, LEADER, generational renewal and so many other aspects of it. The committee has been discussing this for several months and we are keen to hear the witnesses' views on it before we prepare our documentation.

We will hear first from Ms Karen Mannion.