Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I remind members, witnesses and anybody in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones. The purpose of this meeting is to undertake an examination of the strategic direction of Bord Bia. We will hear from representatives of the board. All persons present are asked to take personal responsibility for themselves and others in regard to the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Before we begin, I bring to the attention of those present that witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action arising out of 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. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, within reason, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as do witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. The privilege against defamation does not apply to publications 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, 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 from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance regarding participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The subject of today's meeting is the strategic direction of Bord Bia. The committee will hear from the from: Mr. Jim O'Toole, CEO; Mrs. Deirdre Ryan, director of Origin Green; and Mr. John Murray, director of meat, food and beverages. I invite Mr. O'Toole to make his opening statement.