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

We will begin the second session. I welcome the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney and his officials to the meeting.

Before we begin I draw the attention of the witnesses to the 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the Minister, Deputy Coveney to make his opening statement.