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

No. 7 is the detailed scrutiny of the Vacant Housing (Refurbishment) Bill 2017. I remind members that we have two sessions today in respect of Deputy Cowen's Bill, which was referred to the committee for consideration. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Deputy Cowen.

Before we begin, 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 now call on Deputy Cowen to make his opening statement.