Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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We shall resume in public session to discuss the EU scrutiny proposals that are before us today. It is proposed that the proposals listed in Schedule B do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I remind members and witnesses to switch off their phones.

I welcome Mr. Aaron Forde, chairman, Mr. Bernard Condon, director of the trade and ingredients division, and Ms Anne Randles, secretary and director of administration, Irish Dairy Board. I thank them for coming before the committee today to brief it on the difficulties facing the dairy sector during 2015. I apologise for the delay. This is our first meeting after the Christmas recess and we had a lot of private business to get through.

I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privileged in respect of the evidence they give. Witnesses are further directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of today's 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 or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Forde to make his opening statement.