Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As we are in public session we shall consider the topic of commercial and domestic property - supply and demand, with representatives of Property Industry Ireland.
I welcome the following witnesses: Dr. Peter Stafford, director, Mr. Aidan O'Hogan, chair, Mr. Tom Phillips, chair of the planning and regulation committee and Ms Marian Finnegan, member of the market supply and demand committee. I thank everyone for their attendance.
I 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 the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise the witnesses that the opening statement and any other material supplied to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the conclusion of 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I call on Dr. Peter Stafford, Property Industry Ireland, to make his presentation.