Chairman:

We will resume in public session. We are dealing with testing associated with the bovine TB eradication programme. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system. I welcome the witnesses from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Dr. Margaret Good is a senior superintendent veterinary inspector and she will brief the committee on testing in this country for the bovine TB eradication programme. I thank her for attending the committee meeting today. Accompanying Dr. Good is Mr. Pat Meskell, senior superintendent veterinary inspector, Mr. Tom McTague, senior superintendent veterinary inspector, and Mr. Anthony Duignan, superintendent veterinary inspector.

I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this 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 qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Dr. Good to make her opening statement.