Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I remind Members to ensure their mobile telephones are turned off before we commence the meeting. Today we are discussing animal welfare and the control and management of horses. I welcome, Mr. Martin Blake, chief veterinary officer, and Mr. Dermot Murphy, principal officer, animal health and welfare division from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and, from the Local Government Management Agency, Mr. Paddy Mahon, chair of the County and City Management Association environment, climate change and emergency planning committee, Mr. Joe Boland, director of services, environment, Kildare County Council and Mr. Garrett Shine, veterinary officer, Louth County Council. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss animal welfare, specifically, issues concerning the control and management of the equine sector.

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 continue to so do, 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 the 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 understand both bodies have made submissions, which members have read. Perhaps the witnesses could summarise their submissions in three minutes. I call Mr. Blake to lead off.