Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the delay. We have been delayed all afternoon and all evening. We will move to the second part of the meeting, which is on the action plan arising from the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture. I welcome the witnesses.

I will deal with the matter of privilege, which is the legal part of the proceedings. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precinct are protected by absolute privilege with respect to the evidence they give to the committee. This means that a witness has full defence against any defamation action in respect of anything they say in the committee. 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. I remind them 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 give evidence outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts and may take legal advice on this matter.

Our witnesses are more than welcome and we are grateful for their presence. I again apologise but there were votes in the Parliament. I ask Dr. Farrell to introduce the witnesses joining her and to make her presentation. There is a five-minute limit but we will not be too strict.