Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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From the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA, I welcome Dr. Susan Steele, chairperson, and Mr. Andrew Kinneen and Mr. Micheál O'Mahony, authority members. I thank them for coming before the joint committee to brief members on the SFPA's annual report for 2015. I bring to their attention that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Steele to make her opening statement. When she has concluded, I will ask members to put their questions.