Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on an issue. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matter arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make any charges against any person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to utterances of members participating online in this committee meeting when their participation is within the parliamentary precincts.

I welcome Ms. Vivienne Duggan, president, and Ms Niamh Muldoon, registrar and CEO, Veterinary Council of Ireland, VCI; and Mr. Martin Blake, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Patricia Reilly, deputy chief veterinary officer and head of animal welfare division, and Dr. Mary McCarthy, principal officer from the same division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I thank them for coming.

Both groups have extensive opening statements. We expect a vote in the Dáil around 8 p.m. so if they keep their opening remarks as tight as possible it would be much appreciated. I will call on the Veterinary Council of Ireland first.