Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr. Paul Dillon, assistant secretary, Mr. Ronan O'Flaherty, principal officer, Ms Joan Furlong, assistant principal officer, and Mr. Frank Macken, agricultural inspector. I thank them for coming here to brief the committee on the organic farming scheme. I apologise for the unexpected delay. We had an issue in our private session and a suspension due to the minute's silence observed in the Dáil.

I remind witnesses that 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 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 have already been reminded of their responsibilities regarding privilege.