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

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome from the Irish Council for Social Housing, ICSH, Dr. Donal McManus and Mr. Sean O'Connor. I also welcome Dr. Rory Hearne from NUI Maynooth.

By virtue by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence given to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 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 call on Dr. McManus to make his opening statement.