Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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We have received no apologies. Before we begin, I remind witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. This means a witness has a full defence in any defamation action in respect of anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed, at the Chair's discretion, to cease giving evidence on an issue. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that, so far as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts do. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice in this regard. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings of the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside 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 to the utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting where their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. Any attempt to do so will result in the member having his or her online access removed.

Cuirim fáilte roimh na finnéithe go léir inniu. They are very welcome. The committee wants to focus on dog control and sheep worrying. We will hear from representatives of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA: Mr. John Joe Fitzgerald and Mr. Pheilim Molloy. Cuirim fáilte rompu. From the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA: Mr. Michael O'Connell and Mr. Brian Delaney. Cuirim fáilte rompu. From the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA: Mr. Adrian Gallagher and Mr. Tomás Bourke. They are welcome. Cuirim fáilte rompu. From the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association, ICSFA: Mr. Hugh Farrell and Mr. Willie Shaw. They are welcome here today. From the National Association of Regional Games Councils, NAFGC: Mr. Dan Curley and Mr. John Butler. They are very welcome.

We will start with the INFHA, followed by the ICMSA, the IFA, the ICFSA and the NARGC. The witnesses have provided opening statements. I take it that members have had an opportunity to read through the statements. I will give the witnesses two minutes to synopsise their statements and then we will go to members to ensure we have the maximum amount of time available for questions and answers.