Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Today, we will have a briefing from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the Common Agricultural Policy negotiations and where we are at present. I remind members and witnesses to make sure their mobile phones are completely turned off. I welcome from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Brendan Gleeson, assistant secretary, Mr. David Buckley, principal officer, Ms Bernie Brennan, principal officer, and Ms Miriam Cadwell, principal officer. I thank them for coming before the committee to brief it on the upcoming negotiations.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact they 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Gleeson to make his opening statement.