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

I remind members, witnesses and those in the gallery to switch off their mobile phones. I welcome the representatives from Bord Bia - Mr. Aidan Cotter, Mr. Padraig Brennan and Mr. David Owens - and thank them for attending to discuss with the committee the potential difficulties facing the dairy industry with regard to price volatility.

On the matter of privilege, I note that 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 a 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 or 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Aidan Cotter to make his opening statement. I understand he has a PowerPoint presentation.