Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today we will discuss with representatives from Kildare County Council difficulties in obtaining home insurance for properties in areas which have experienced extreme weather events. I welcome in particular my fellow Tipperary man, Mr. Michael Malone, the county manager, Mr. Alan Dunney, senior executive engineer, and Mr. Joe Boland, director of services for water services and the environment. I thank them for their attendance today.

I draw to the attention of the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 a person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise the witnesses that their opening statement and any other documents they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this 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.

We have been discussing the topic of flooding and insurance with a number of stakeholders in recent months.

Consequently, the joint committee is greatly looking forward to the witnesses' considerable advice and expertise in that field. An issue of specific concern to the joint committee is that of geocoding and, if possible, the witnesses should address this. I now invite Mr. Malone to address the committee.