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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Anne Ferris.

The purpose of the meeting is to receive a briefing from the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, IPAV, which has requested a meeting to brief the joint committee on the findings of its research entitled, Conveyancing Survey Results January 2015. Briefing material was circulated to members. I welcome Mr. Keith Anderson and Mr. Pat Davitt and thank them for being here on a damp morning and giving of their time and expertise. The format is that they will be asked for a brief outline of the issues they wish to raise in an opening statement of about five minutes. There will then be a question and answer session with members.

Please note that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or 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, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Mr. Davitt will make the opening statement.