Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure their mobile phones are completely switched off.

We are here today to discuss the special reports of the European Court of Auditors on EU support to young farmers and on the rural affairs programmes. I welcome from the European Court of Auditors, Mr. Kevin Cardiff, Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski, members, Mr. Peter Welch, director, and Mr. Tony Murphy, director and member-designate. I thank them for appearing before the committee today to brief us on two of their special reports, on the EU support to young farmers and on the EU rural development programmes. They will address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs later today and we appreciate their giving of their time to address this committee.

I understand Mr. Cardiff will complete his term of office soon. I wish him well on whatever path he takes in the future. I also welcome to the meeting members of the newly-formed Oireachtas Joint Committee on Rural and Community Development, including its Chairman, Deputy Joe Carey.

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. Cardiff to make his opening remarks.