Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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 aeroplane, safe or flight mode, depending on device. It is not sufficient to just put phones on silent mode as this will maintain the level of interference with the broadcasting system.

To our meeting to discuss the strategic housing development, SHD, review, I welcome: Dr. David Duffy and Mr. John Spain from Property Industry Ireland, PII; Mr. Joe Corr and Dr. Conor Norton from the Irish Planning Institute; and Mr. Paul Hyde and Ms Rachel Kenny from An Bord Pleanála. They are most welcome.

Before beginning, I draw the attention of our guests 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. 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 or her 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 of these Houses, or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.