Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I want to bring to the attention of witnesses that within the parliamentary precincts, they 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 arising out of anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on an issue. 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 giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as do witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. The privilege against defamation does not apply to publications by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

The purpose of the second session of today's meeting is for the committee to undertake an examination of the TAM and ACRE schemes. The committee will hear from the following officials from the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine: Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary, rural development of forestry, Ms Josephine Brennan, principal officer, Ms Michelle Kearney, principal officer and Mr. John Muldowney, principal officer. I welcome them to this evening's meeting. I will now allow Mr. Savage five minutes to make an opening statement