John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I bid the witnesses a good afternoon. They are very welcome. At the outset I wish to read the note on privilege. I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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. Witnesses 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. The opening statements that have been submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website. Members are reminded of the long-standing practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind those present to switch off mobile telephones or to put them on flight mode because the proceedings are being recorded and broadcast and mobile telephones interfere with that.

I welcome the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, represented this afternoon by Ms Patricia Byron, director general, Mr. Micheál Mahon and Mr. Michael Cleary. I invite Ms Byron to make an opening statement.