Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Before we begin, I want to bring to everyone's attention, as per usual in these meetings, to the fact that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. That means that witnesses have a full defence against any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by me to cease giving evidence on an issue. 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 person or entity. Witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts, which I do not think arises in this case, may not have the same level of immunity and should take their own legal advice. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings held by the committee of any matter arising from proceedings.

Members have already been reminded of their obligations to be physically present, which, again, I do not believe arises in this case. If they are joining us on Microsoft Teams at some point during this meeting, I ask them to confirm verbally that they are on the grounds of Leinster House and to take note of the general warnings and guidance about privilege. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Our agenda for today is quotas, the Common Fisheries Policy and sustainability impact assessments. The witnesses are very welcome. Tá fíor-fáilte romhaibh. We have had a previous part of this meeting where we had another set of witnesses in and heard their take on things. For us as members, this is a continuation of that discussion. The committee will hear from the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Deputy Timmy Dooley. The Minister of State is joined by a number of officials from both his Department and agencies under his remit. We have Ms Sinéad McSherry, assistant secretary general, Ms Anna O'Sullivan, principal officer, and Mr. Lorcan Breheny, assistant principal officer. From the Marine Institute, we have Dr. Ciaran Kelly, director of fisheries and ecosystem advisory services, and Dr. Andrew Campbell, team leader in the same section. From Bord Iascaigh Mhara, we have Dr. Emmet Jackson, director of economic and strategic services. Tá fíor-failte romhaibh.

I ask the Minister of State to give a synopsis of his opening statement because it has been circulated to members in advance.