Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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We have apologies from Deputies John Brady, Ciarán Cannon and Imelda Munster.

I ask all those in attendance to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege.

This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply. Members and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are also reminded of the provision of Standing Order 218, that a committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objective of such policies. Furthermore, it is not the role of the committee to make findings of fact about a person who is not a Member of the Oireachtas that could potentially defame a reputation. I ask members to be mindful of this in their examination of the issues in question this morning. Members and witnesses should also refrain from commenting on matters that may be subject to live criminal investigations.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to the committee and he is accompanied this morning by Ms Irena Grzebieniak, deputy director at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. This morning, we are engaging with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to examine the appropriation account from 2022 for Vote 30 - Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Report on the Accounts of the Public Services 2022, chapter 10, on estate management in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We are joined by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Mr. Brendan Gleeson, Secretary General; Mr. Martin Blake, chief veterinary officer, Ms Sinéad McSherry, assistant secretary, Mr. Paul Savage, assistant secretary, Mr. Bill Callanan, chief inspector, and Mr. Gordon Conroy, assistant secretary. We are also joined by Ms Kate Ivory, principal officer from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. They are all very welcome. I call the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, for his opening statement.