Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I wish to bring to the committee's attention that witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precinct are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means a witness has full defence in any defamation action of anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's discretion. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and 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 precinct should note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precinct and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the committee of any matter arising from the proceedings.

The agenda for this session is to examine the impacts of trade deals on agriculture, such as Mercosur - the EU trade agreement - and US tariffs. The joint committee will hear from the following officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ms Sinéad McPhillips, assistant secretary, EU, UK and international affairs; Mr. Paul Whelan, assistant principal, UK and international trade division; and Ms Margaret O'Boyle, assistant principal, EU and international trade division.

Before we proceed, on behalf of the committee and myself, I extend congratulations to Ms McPhillips on her promotion to the position of Secretary General in the Department. We look forward to engagement with her and with her officials. Tá fáilte romhaibh agus comhghairdeas as an ról nua. The opening statements have been circulated to committee members and I will allow five minutes if Ms McPhillips wishes to read it into the record or two minutes if she wishes to give a brief synopsis. We will then move onto questions and answers.