Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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I remind members, witnesses and anybody in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones. All persons present are asked to take personal responsibility for themselves and others in regard to the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Today's meeting will consist of two sessions. The first is to discuss the development of the sheep sector and the second will be a discussion on the timber sector. Before we begin, I draw to the attention of witnesses that if they give evidence to the committee within the parliamentary precincts, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of that evidence. This means witnesses are fully protected in respect of any defamation action arising out of the committee meeting. Witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence. They should follow any such direction. Witnesses are further reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, within reason, they should not comment on a third party outside the House in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Witnesses giving evidence from outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they do not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as do witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts. They should consider taking legal advice on the matter. The privilege against defamation does not apply to publications by witnesses outside the proceedings of the committee or any matters raised on foot of proceedings.

I welcome the witnesses from the Irish Farmers Association, IFA: Mr. Tim Cullinan, president; Mr. Kevin Comiskey, chair of the sheep committee; and Mr. Tomás Bourke, senior policy adviser. I also welcome Mr. Brendan Crosse and Mr. Michael Crosse, directors of Sheep Milk Ireland Limited. I invite Mr. Cullinan to make his opening statement.