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

I remind members that we will have two sessions today. The purpose of this morning's session is to resume our pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft general scheme of the building control (construction industry register Ireland) Bill 2017. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Orla Hegarty and Ms Deirdre Ní Fhloinn to this meeting. I apologise for the delay in bringing them in.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 this 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. 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 ask Ms Hegarty to make her opening statement.