Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I remind Members, witnesses and persons in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. The purpose of today's meeting is, in the first session, to resume our examination of fixed-milk price contracts and, in the second session, to examine the issue of ash dieback disease and its impact on the private forestry sector. In the second session, the committee will hear from representatives of Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners Limited.

Since 28 February, the legal requirement to wear a mask in all settings has been removed. However, it is still good practice to continue to use face masks or coverings, particularly in crowded areas. The service encourages all members of the parliamentary community to wear face masks when moving around the campus and when in close proximity to others.

Before we begin, I bring to the attention of those present that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a 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 to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that 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 matters arising from those proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting when they participate from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurances in relation to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when contributing.

The first session will run from 5.30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Today, we will hear from the following representative of Ornua: Mr. John Jordan, CEO; Mr. Colin Kelly, managing director of trading and member relations; and Ms Anne Randles, director of corporate affairs. I call Mr. Jordan to make his opening statement.