Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I ask members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure their mobile phones are completely turned off as they affect the broadcasting system. I welcome Mr. Ray Doyle from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, ICOS, and Mr. Seamus Scallan and Ms Elizabeth Scallan from Wicklow Calf Company Limited. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss the issue of live exports. The joint committee is having an ongoing discussion on the future of the beef industry and we have heard in recent weeks about difficulties in the sector. The committee has decided to see what we, as a collective, can do to try to move things on.

Before we begin, I draw the witnesses' attention to 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 on 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 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. Doyle to make his opening statement.