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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice. He will be substituted by Deputy Michael Collins. Tá fáilte romhat.

I wish draw to the attention of the witnesses that giving evidence from within the parliamentary precinct, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that a witness has a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on the issue at the Chair's direction. 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 who are to 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 a witness 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 of the proceedings held by the committee of any matters 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 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 precincts and any attempt to do so will result in the member having their online access removed. Everybody participating is present in the room. There is no member online at the moment.

The agenda for today's meeting is to examine the cattle kill reduction and cattle prices. Members are going to hear from Meat Industry Ireland. Cuirim fáilte roimh Mr. Philip Carroll, chairman, Mr. Dale Crammond, director, and Ms Síle Sweeney, senior executive. Your opening statements have been circulated and I will give five minutes to go through the opening statement on it. Members particularly wanted this issue on the agenda because a lot of concern has been raised from farmers who have had a range of different difficulties, including the price they are getting in the factory, difficulties booking in cattle and still seeing the numbers of cattle going through reducing. It is really a concern for farmers. They are experiencing an increase in their overheads, whether it is for diesel or manure or a range of different issues. To see a drop in the price even though there seems to be capacity in the factory is very much a concern for farmers. We want to try to get an understanding of where things are going there and how we can make sure it is possible to get the best possible price for farmers on it.