Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones.

The purpose of today's meeting is to continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the agricultural and food supply chain Bill 2022. The committee will hear from representatives of the agricultural sector.

Since 28 February, the legal requirement for mask wearing in public settings no longer applies. However, it is 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 campus and when they are in close proximity to others.

Before we proceed, I bring to the attention of witnesses that in giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means they have a full defence in any defamation action arising out of anything said in a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as far as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third party or entity.

Witnesses who 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 does a witness giving evidence within those precincts. They 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 the proceedings.

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 House 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 a committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance in regard to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when contributing.

In our first session between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m., the committee will hear from the following representatives of the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA: Mr. Tim Cullinan, president; Mr. Damian McDonald, director general; and Mr. Robert Malone, senior retail policy executive. We are also joined by the following witnesses from the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA: Mr. Pat McCormack, president; and Mr. John Enright, general secretary. I invite Mr. Cullinan to make his opening statement.