Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I welcome from the Irish Farmers Association Mr. John Bryan, president, Mr. Gerry Gunning, rural development executive secretary, Mr. Tom Fadian, hill farming committee chairman, and Mr. Flor McCarthy, rural development committee chairman. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I have already given members notice of their responsibilities. I call on Mr. Bryan, president of the IFA, to make his opening statement.