Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are completely switched off for the duration of the meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the tillage sector. I welcome members of the Irish Grain Growers Association, Mr. Bobby Miller, chairman; Mr. Clive Carter, secretary, Mr. Pat Cleary, environmental spokesperson, and Mr. James Kelly, malt barley spokesman. I thank them for coming before the committee today. We are delighted that they are able to contribute to the committee's examination of the future of the tillage sector.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of 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 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. Carter to make his opening statement and members will then put questions to him.