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

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to make sure that mobile phones are completely turned off. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, to the meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the motion referred to the committee by the Dáil and Seanad on 27 June for consideration. This referral imposed a deadline on the committee to report back to the Houses by 9 July.

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.

We are dealing with regulations in respect of pig levies. I call the Minister to make his opening statement.