Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I remind members to please turn off their mobile phones. I bring to everyone's attention that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of evidence they give to the committee. This means they have a full defence against 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 the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, insofar as is reasonable, 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 that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within those 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 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 when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside those 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 examine the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2023. The committee will hear from the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, Mr. Gordon Conroy, assistant secretary general, Ms Caroline Ball, principal officer, State bodies, and Ms Louise McAlavey, principal officer, State bodies. They are very welcome to today's committee meeting.

The Minister's opening statement has been circulated to members. I will allow him five minutes to read his opening statement. We will then proceed to a question-and-answer session.