Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn will substitute for Deputy Claire Kerrane. Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I bring to your attention that 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 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.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse comments should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside of 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 it may be considered appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside of the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the committee to examine the implementation of the Irish onshore fisheries sector strategy 2019 to 2023. The committee will hear from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Charlie McConalogue. The Minister is accompanied by Ms Sinéad McSherry, assistant secretary, marine division, Ms Geraldine O’Donovan, assistant principal, marine division and, joining us remotely, Ms Suzanne Brennan, principal officer, marine division. They are very welcome to the meeting. I will allow the Minister five minutes to read his opening statement and we will then proceed to a question-and-answer session.