Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with item No. 6, which is a discussion on strategic housing developments, SHDs. From An Bord Pleanála we are joined in person by Mr. Paul Hyde, deputy chair, and Ms Rachel Kenny, director of planning. From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage we are joined through video link by Mr. Terry Sheridan and Mr. Paul Hogan, of the planning division. Members have been circulated with the witnesses' opening statements as well as a more detailed briefing note. I will first ask An Bord Pleanála to make its opening statement and then ask the Department for its contribution. Members will then be invited to ask their questions. I ask them to please remember to confine their contributions to five minutes, if possible, and we will then come back around for a second round of questioning.

Witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by an absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at this meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending the meeting remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is legally present.

Witnesses 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I invite Mr. Hyde or Ms Kenny to make an opening statement on behalf of An Bord Pleanála.