Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their phones. This session one of today's meeting is on the importance of the drinks industry to the agricultural sector. I welcome Mr. Peter O'Brien, chairman of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland, Ms Marie Byrne, entrepreneur, and Mr. Willie Masterson, malted barley farmer. I thank them for coming before the committee today to brief us on the impact of the drinks industry on the rural economy, its agricultural purchasing strategy and the ambitious plans for the future.
I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that, 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 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. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they 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.
I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement.