Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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All are welcome this evening. Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I bring to everyone's attention the notice 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 they have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. They 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 may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, 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 a person outside of 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 just to members participating online in a committee hearing when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in public meetings from outside the parliamentary precincts and any attempt to do so will result in a member having their online access removed.

The agenda for the first session of today's meeting is for the committee to examine the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's Statement of Strategy 2023-2026. The committee will hear from the following officials: Mr. Brendan Gleeson, Secretary General; Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary for rural development and forestry; Ms Sinéad McSherry, assistant secretary on seafood and the marine; Mr. Bill Callanan, chief inspector; and Mr. Martin Blake, chief veterinary officer. The witnesses are very welcome to this evening's meeting. I invite Mr. Gleeson to read his opening statement. He has five minutes. We will then proceed to a question and answer session.