David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session. Please note that the proceedings of this committee are being carried live on the Oireachtas television channel, a new innovation that we are happy about and that is growing more and more popular. It is going right up in the ratings. After today, it will be at the top. I have been asked to remind members to switch off all mobile telephones or to put them in flight mode, as they interfere with the sound system if they are active. It is not enough just to put them on silent.

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to resume our discussion on the benefits of an important topic, namely, e-conveyancing. We are joined by representatives from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, BPFI, formerly the Irish Banking Federation, IBF; the Law Society of Ireland; and the organisation being formed from the merger of the Property Registration Authority, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Valuation Office, to be known as Tailte Éireann. On behalf of the committee, I welcome all of the representatives to the meeting and thank them for their attendance to discuss this interesting, exciting and important topic, which was first considered by the committee in June. We are resuming our discussion today, as the BPFI was unavoidably absent previously. In order to hear the opinions of all stakeholders, this meeting has been convened.

As such, the format of the meeting will see the BPFI given an opportunity to make a brief opening statement of approximately five minutes, after which I will invite the other guests to introduce themselves, briefly remind the committee of the main points made previously and notify us of any development that has occurred in the meantime. A questions and answers session with members will follow. I understand that Teranet Incorporated, one of the participants at the June meeting, was also invited. As it is based in Canada, attending today was not possible. However, it has assured us that it will be watching live on the web cast.

Before we begin, I draw witnesses' attention to the privilege situation. They should note that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 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. Members should also be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Brett to make his opening statement.