Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This meeting has been convened to discuss the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage statement of strategy for the period 2021 to 2025. We are joined on video link by Ms Fiona Quinn, assistant secretary, and Mr. Damien Allen, principal officer. The opening statement has been circulated to members. I will first ask Ms Quinn to make her opening statement, following which members will be invited to put questions. I remind members that they have five minutes for questions and answers and I ask the witnesses to also stick to the five minute timeframe.

As Ms Quinn and Mr. Allen are attending remotely, I remind them that there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity in legal proceedings as would a witness physically present. 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, 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 in an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website following this meeting. I now invite Ms. Quinn to make her opening remarks.