Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Professor Simon More here for the first session today. He is the director at the UCD centre for veterinary epidemiology and risk analysis.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of Professor More to the fact that witnesses 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 or her 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 Professor More to make his opening statement. He has already submitted quite a lengthy statement and I ask him to summarise as much as possible. Once he has concluded his statement members will ask questions.