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

Today’s meeting will involve resuming consideration of the impact of Brexit on Ireland's housing market. On behalf of the committee I wish to welcome to today’s meeting from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Mr. David Kelly, Mr. Paul Hogan, Ms Sarah Neary, and Mr. John Wickham.

I draw the attention of the witnesses 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 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 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 invite Ms Sarah Neary to make her opening statement.