Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones. I welcome Dr. Gregory Forde, head of operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland and Dr. Paddy Gargan, senior research officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland, and thank them for coming before the committee to discuss issues concerning the national strategic plan for sustainable aquaculture development.

I advise the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.