Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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We are meeting a delegation from Teagasc which includes the new chairman, Mr. Liam Herlihy. The purpose of the meeting is to hear from him about the approach he will take in undertaking his role as chairman and his vision for Teagasc in the next few year.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint 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 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 Mr. Herlihy to make his opening statement.