Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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We are now back in public session to continue our discussion on the current challenges facing the tillage industry. I advise the witnesses that if they are giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that they have a full defence in any defamation action for 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 who are to 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. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

During this session, we will hear from officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and from Teagasc. From the Department I welcome Ms Louise Byrne, deputy chief inspector; Dr. Barry O'Reilly, senior inspector; Mr. Joseph McNamara, agricultural inspector. From Teagasc I welcome Mr. John Spink, head of crops, environment and land use; and Mr. Shay Phelan, tillage crops and potato specialist. The opening statements have already been circulated to members. I invite our guests to spend two minutes highlighting elements of their statements and then we will go to members for questions.