Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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As we have a quorum, we will commence the meeting. Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones. The purpose of today's meeting is to undertake an examination of the impact of peat shortages on the horticulture industry and, in the second session, to discuss the environmental impact of local emissions. In the first session, the committee will hear from Mr. Seamus Boland from Irish Rural Link, while in the second, it will hear from Mr. Dan Brennan. All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility in respect of Covid.

Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means such a witness has a full defence against any action regarding anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and they may be directed to cease giving evidence at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. I remind witnesses 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 locations outside the parliamentary precinct are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness 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 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 either a person outside the Houses or an official 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 the committee meeting from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance regarding speech made by those outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they contribute. I call Mr. Boland to make his opening statement.