Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are joined this morning by Marcella Stakem, research and policy officer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and John-Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold. We are also joined remotely by Ann-Marie O'Reilly, who is a policy officer with Threshold. The opening statement, briefing material and the joint report compiled by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Threshold on the housing assistance payment, HAP, have been circulated to members. I will first ask the witnesses to make their opening statements following which members will be invited to address their questions. Generally, we take five minutes for questions and answers, which allows us to have a second round of questions.

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, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses who are 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 invite whoever would like to begin to make his or her opening statement.