Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones as they interfere with the broadcasting system here. The Chairman is not available today and asked me to convey his apologies. I welcome from Ornua Mr. Joe Collins, managing director, dairy trading and ingredients, and Ms Anne Randles, company secretary and thank them for coming before the committee today to update it on the dairy sector. They appeared before the committee in February to give us a run-down on the industry at that stage.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 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. Collins to make his opening statement.