Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Martin Browne will substitute for Deputy Mythen. I remind committee members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I wish to bring it to the witnesses' attention that when giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses will have 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 direction of the Chair in this regard and I remind them 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 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 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 the utterances of members participating online in a committee meeting when they are participating within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance with regard to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The purpose of today's meeting is to undertake an examination of the consolidation of horticulture grower numbers. The committee will hear from representatives of the Irish Farmers Association: Mr. Brian Rushe, deputy president; Mr. Niall McCormack, fruit and vegetable chair; Mr. Sean Ryan, potato chair; and Ms Niamh Brennan, policy executive.

Their opening statement has been circulated to committee members and will be taken as read. I will allow a five-minute presentation and then we will go into a question and answer session. I invite Mr. Rushe to make his opening statement.