Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The committee will now discuss the report, the Importance of the Cattle and Sheep Sectors to the Irish Economy. I welcome Mr. John Bryan, president of the IFA, Professor Alan Renwick from UCD, who is the author of the report, and Mr. Kevin Kilcline, an economist with the IFA.

I remind the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I understand Mr. Bryan wishes to make an opening comment before Professor Renwick presents the findings of his report.