Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, we are joined in person by Mr. Paul Lemass, assistant secretary, and Mr. Eamonn Kelly, principal officer. We are also joined remotely by Mr. Paul Hogan, principal planning adviser, and Mr. Liam Smyth, assistant principal planning adviser. Members have been circulated with the opening statements as well as briefing materials. I will first ask for the witnesses' opening statements and members will then be invited to ask questions. They should remember to confine their questions to five minutes, if possible.

Witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, therefore, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses and members attending 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 person who is physically present. They 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 persons 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 following the meeting.

I now call Mr. Kelly to make his opening statement.