Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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. Any opening statements submitted to the committee will 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery are requested to ensure that, for the duration of the meeting, their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device.

I am delighted that we will discuss the national planning framework. The joint committee is pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the framework, which is being developed to succeed the national spatial strategy. The framework will provide a basis for national planning, pulling together relevant Government policies and investment in national and regional development. It will have a focus on economic development and investment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure. I very much welcome from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Mr. David Walsh, Mr. Niall Cussen and Mr. Paul Hogan; from the Irish Planning Institute Ms Deirdre Fallon, president, Mr. Henk van der Kamp and Mr. Ciarán Tracey; and from the Association of Irish Regions Councillor Pat Vance, cathaoirleach, Mr. Stephen Blair, honorary secretary, and Mr. Jim Conway, director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. They are all most welcome.

I invite Mr. David Walsh to make the presentation on behalf of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.