Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. The purpose of today’s meeting is to undertake an examination of dangerous dog breeds and sheep worrying. The committee will hear from a canine behavioural expert and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

It will also hear from officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others against the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action arising from anything said at 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 directions of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse comments should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who choose to give evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts 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 members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either 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 utterances of members participating online in committee meetings when their participation is within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance concerning participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when contributing.

The committee will hear from a canine behaviour expert, Ms Nanci Creedon, director of Creedons College of Canine Studies. It will hear from the following from the Department of Rural and Community Development: Mr. Paul Geraghty, principal officer, and Ms Catherine Burns, assistant principal. It will hear from the following from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dr. Eoin Ryan, senior superintending veterinary inspector, animal welfare division, and Dr. Mary McCarthy, principal officer, animal health and import policy division.

Ms Creedon is very welcome. I call on her to make her opening statement, which is to be followed by questions from the members.