Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At the request of broadcasting and recording services, members and visitors in the Public Gallery are asked to ensure that, for the duration of the meeting, their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on their device. It is not sufficient to just put a phone on silent mode, as this will maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting system.

Today we are considering the reports, Finding a Home - Families' Journeys out of Homelessness, and Keeping a Home - Preventing Families from Becoming Homeless. On behalf of the committee I welcome, from Focus Ireland, Mr. Mike Allen and Ms Sarah Sheridan, and also Dr. Kathy Walsh, Mr. Brian Harvey and Mr. Seán Ó Siochrú who are independent research consultants of social issues.

Before we begin, I draw the witnesses attention 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 in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of that 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.

The opening statements of today's meeting will be shared by Mr. Allen and the authors of the reports. I call on Mr. Allen to make his opening statement.