Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that people speak in order and move on to discussing No. 2. We are joined remotely by the following witnesses: Mr. John O’Connor, chief executive officer, Mr. Jim Baneham, head of housing delivery, and Ms Gwen Perry, senior executive officer, the Housing Agency; Dr. Conor O'Toole, senior research officer, and Dr. Rachel Slaymaker, research officer, Economic and Social Research Institute; Dr. Larry O'Connell, director, and Mr.Noel Cahill, economist, National Economic and Social Council.

Members have been circulated with the opening statements. I will first ask the witnesses to make their opening statements and then members will be invited to address their questions.

Members attending from their Oireachtas offices are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their participation at this meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against 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 that this privilege is not abused.

There are some limitations on parliamentary privilege for witnesses attending remotely and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity to 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 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 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 by the three organisations will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I invite Mr. O'Connor to make his opening statement for the Housing Agency.