Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Mr. Ruairí Cunningham and Mr. Cormac Cunningham, directors of Strathroy Dairy, to the committee today. Before I begin, I bring to the attention of witnesses the matter of privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 that where possible they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or 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 Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now call on Mr. Cormac Cunningham to make his opening statement.