Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome all those in attendance. This is the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Rural and Community Development. I look forward to working with members, the Minister, Deputy Ring, and the Department to try to make this very important committee work for the people. The witnesses, whom I welcome, are in attendance to discuss the action plan for rural development.

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 the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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. 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.

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 members to turn off their mobile phones, which can affect the broadcasting system.

The committee will today discuss the action plan for rural development. To assist it in that regard, I am pleased to welcome Mr. William Parnell, assistant Secretary General, Ms Fiona Moylette, Mr. Eddie Forsyth and Mr. J.P. Mulherin of the Department of Rural and Community Development. I now invite the Department to make its presentation, beginning with Mr. Parnell.