Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Before we start the meeting I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure that their mobile phones are completely turned off as they affect the broadcasting systems in the committee room. Today we are discussing the issue of live exports. I welcome the officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ms Paula Barry Walsh, deputy chief veterinary officer; Mr. Dermot Murphy, principal officer; Ms Maria Dunne, principal officer; Mr. Rob Doyle, senior superintending veterinary inspector; Mr. David Nolan, senior superintending veterinary inspector; and Mr. James Casey, veterinary inspector. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss the issue of live exports today.

Before we begin I bring to the witnesses' attention the fact that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they 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. 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 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 either a person outside the House or an official, either by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.