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

Our second session involves detailed scrutiny of the Bill with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department, Mr. Paul Lemass, Mr. Denis Conlan, Ms Lorraine O'Donoghue and Ms Áinle Ní Bhriain.

At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, members and visitors 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 or flight mode depending on their device. It is not sufficient to just put phones on silent mode as it will interfere with the broadcasting system.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 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 Mr. Lemass to make his opening statement.