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

We have a quorum. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings. This meeting has been convened for the purpose of pre-legislative scrutiny of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill 2015 and related matters. The heads of the Bill and other documents are available on the committee website and members of the public are welcome to comment on them. The committee will meet stakeholders today and next week on 15 December. It is proposed that if not previously concluded, this session will conclude at 3.30 p.m.

I welcome Ms Rosalind Carroll, head of regulation and Ms Sophie Geraghty, financial regulation manager from the Housing Agency. From the Housing Finance Agency, I welcome Mr. Barry O'Leary, chief executive officer and Mr. Seán Cremin, head of treasury. I draw witnesses' 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 committee. However, if 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. 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.

It is proposed that the opening statements and any further documentation supplied may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

Is that agreed? Agreed.