Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I welcome from Bord Bia Ms Tara McCarthy, chief executive, and Mr. Michael Maloney, director, Origin Green. I thank them for coming before us to brief the joint committee on a number of issues, including Origin Green, market diversification, climate change and sustainability.

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 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 Ms McCarthy to make her opening statement.