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

I welcome Ms Caitríona Walsh, chairperson designate of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, for a discussion on her future role. I draw to her attention 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 the joint committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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 an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise Ms Walsh that the opening statement and any other documents she has submitted to the committee will be published on its 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 inviting Ms Walsh to commence her presentation, I would like to make the following comments. The continuing inability of people to buy homes in the current climate goes against the trend of our history. Irish people have always aspired to owning their own homes, but this seems to be no longer possible for the vast majority of people in the generation coming up. Accordingly, the private rental market is becoming more important and we need to ensure it operates effectively and fairly. We need to ensure the interests of tenants and landlords are protected and that good quality accommodation is provided at an affordable price. We also need to ensure landlords are remunerated sufficiently to allow them to maintain their properties to a high standard in the long term. Given our current economic problems, this presents many challenges and I am interested in hearing Ms Walsh's views on how the interests of both tenants and landlords can be protected. I invite her to address the committee.