Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I remind members to turn off their mobile phones.

Before we begin, I will read the note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence against any defamation action as regards 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 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 these proceedings.

The purpose of today's first session is for the committee to examine further scrutiny of EU legislative proposal COM (2023) 769 on the proposal on improving the rules on the welfare of cats and dogs and their traceability. We will hear from the following officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dr. Eoin Ryan, head of animal welfare division, senior superintending veterinary inspector; Dr. Mary McCarthy, head of animal health and import policy division; and Dr. James Choiseul, director, One Health, One Welfare. The witnesses are welcome to the meeting. I will allow them five minutes to read their opening statements and we will then process to the question-and-answer session. I call Dr. Ryan.