Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to hear concerns from representative organisations of the fishing industry regarding loss of income, equipment and boats due to recent storm damage. I welcome everybody. From the Federation of Irish Fishermen, FIF, we have Mr. Seán O'Donoghue, Mr. John Ward, Ms Eibhlín O'Sullivan and Mr. Ciarán Healy; from Iascairí Cois Cósta Inis Óirr, Mr. Mícheál Ó Catháin and Mr. Trevor McHale; from the South Wexford Lobster Company, Mr. Aidan Scallan and Mr. Kevin Kielty; from Íascairí Intíre Cois Cladach na hÉireann, Mr. Éamon Ó Corcora and Mr. John Ó Conghaile; from Galway Bay Inshore Fishermans Association, Mr. Gerry Sweeney and Mr. Pat Mullins. I thank them for coming today.
Before we begin I draw witnesses’ attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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 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 they 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.
Given that there are five groups we have asked witnesses to be as concise as possible. We will then have questions and answers in order to get as much information and to make the meeting as productive as possible for everyone. I will call speakers in the order in which I have called out the names. Speakers have said they will try to keep their contributions to less than five minutes. We will not ring a bell if they go a little over time but in order for members to engage it would be helpful if opening comments could be kept as brief as possible. I remind members and witnesses to switch off mobile phones and other devices as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment which makes it very difficult for the proceedings to be broadcast. I invite Mr. O'Donoghue to speak first on behalf of the Federation of Irish Fishermen.