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

We are now in public session. I draw the attention of the witnesses 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 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. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I remind those present to switch off their mobile phones or place them in flight mode as they interfere with the recording of the proceedings.

Members are aware of the increasing hardship citizens are experiencing as a result of increasing rents. People in receipt of rent supplement have encountered particular difficulties because the limits were seen as being too low to meet the rents that were being sought. On 28 June 2016, the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government jointly announced increases in rent limits under the rent supplement and housing assistance payment schemes. Today, the committee will consider the impact of the increase in rent supplement. To assist it in this regard, I am very pleased to welcome Ms Helen Faughnan, Ms Jackie Harrington and Ms Laura Pathe from the Department of Social Protection. I thank the witnesses for attending and I invite Ms Faughnan to make her opening statement, which will be followed by questions from members.