Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones.

It should be noted that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee.

This means that they have a full defence in any defamation action for 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 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 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 them, 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 on, criticise or make charges against any 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 when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. Any attempt to do so will result in a member having his or her online access removed.

The purpose of the first session is to receive a briefing on the antitrust guidelines for sustainability agreements in agriculture. The committee will hear from Ms Henrieta Jany-Roskova, team leader, unit E1, governance of agrifood markets, Directorate-General, DG, for Agriculture and Rural Development at the European Commission, AGRI, and Ms Antigoni Tsakona, also from AGRI. They are very welcome. Their opening statement has been circulated to members. I will allow them five minutes to read that statement. We will then to proceed to a question and answer session.