John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin our meeting I ask members, witnesses and those in the public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones as they interfere with the sound quality and transmission of the meeting. I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the provisions within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Ms Geraldine Tallon, Secretary General, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and invite her to introduce her officials.