Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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We are here today to discuss the TB eradication programme. I welcome the president of the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, Mr. Joe Healy; Mr. Pat Farrell, IFA animal health committee; and Mr. Tomás Bourke, animal health committee. From the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA, I welcome Mr. Eddie Punch, ICSA general secretary; Mr. Hugh Farrell, chair of the animal health and welfare committee; and Ms Nessa Fitzgibbon, press and communications officer.

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.