Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Mr. Fintan Kelly, policy officer of BirdWatch Ireland, and thank him for appearing before the committee today. Mr. Kelly requested to address the committee to discuss the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the sustainability of Irish fisheries.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Kelly to make his opening statement.