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

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the general scheme of the planning and development (No. 2) Bill 2014 with officials from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I welcome Mr. Terry Sheridan, principal officer responsible for planning, Mr. Niall Cussen, principal planning adviser, Mr. Patrick O'Sullivan, assistant principal officer responsible for planning, and Mr. Colm Downey, assistant principal officer responsible for planning. I propose that we hear the witnesses in the order in which I have introduced them. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 they 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. Witnesses' opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the departmental witnesses to address the meeting, beginning with Mr. Sheridan.