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

We resume in public session. At the request of broadcasting and recording services, members and those in the Gallery are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to aeroplane, safe or flight mode depending on the device. It is not sufficient to place phones in silent mode because a level of interference with the broadcasting system will still be maintained.

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the draft Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2018, the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018 and Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2018, referred by order of the Houses at the joint committee on 14 December 2017. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy English, and his officials.

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 call on the Minister of State to make his opening remarks.