Before welcoming the representatives of the Bantry Concerned Action Group, I wish to acknowledge that it was Deputy O'Donovan who requested that the joint committee hear this presentation. Even though our programme for the year was complete, we had to readjust it to accommodate the member and the action group. I ask its members to be brief in their presentation. As I propose to finish this part of the meeting at approximately 3.25 p.m., if the presentation is not completed within five to ten minutes, I will need to ask the members of the group to conclude and allow for questioning.
From the Bantry Concerned Action Group I welcome Mr. Joe Burke, chairman; Mr. Roger Alison, secretary; Mr. Pat Cronin, Mr. Gene Lynch and Mr. John Heney of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association. I draw attention to the fact that while members of the joint committee have absolute privilege, the same privilege does not apply to witnesses appearing before it. The committee cannot guarantee any level of privilege to witnesses appearing before it. Under the salient rulings of the Chair, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. We will hear the presentation which will be followed by a question and answer session.