Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I bring to the attention of witnesses that those giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action relating to 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. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that, insofar 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. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from those proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against 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 the committee meeting if their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate in a public meeting online from outside the parliamentary precincts and any attempt to do so will result in the member having his or her online access removed.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the development of the sheep sector. For the first session, the committee will hear from representatives from Enterprise Ireland, namely, Mr. Mark Christal, divisional manager of food and sustainability; and Mr. Gerard O’Flynn, manager in the primary meats and food technology department. They are very welcome to today's meeting. The opening statement has been circulated to members. I ask Mr. Christal to read his opening statement and we will then proceed to the question-and-answer session.