Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are in public session and are joined by Dr. Mary Kelly, chairman of An Bord Pleanála, Mr. Conall Boland, deputy chairman, Mr. Des Johnson, director of planning, and Mr. Gerard Egan, director of corporate affairs, to discuss An Bord Pleanála's decision-making processes and how its decisions are arrived at. I thank the witnesses for their attendance.

In commencing proceedings I wish to draw attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if witnesses are directed by this committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise that the opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before I call Dr. Kelly to make her presentation I wish to say that the decisions of An Bord Pleanála play an important role in Irish life; they affect every townland and are of interest to everybody. They are often controversial and result in much debate, as was very much the case in Cork city last evening. Therefore, we are very interested in what the witnesses have to say. I thank them for attending and invite Dr. Mary Kelly to make her opening statement.