Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Everybody is very welcome. Apologies have been received from Deputy Stanton. Before we hear from the witnesses we have to attend to some committee business. I remind members that they must be in the Leinster House campus, or in the convention centre in Dublin, to attend the meeting. If any member attempts to participate from outside of Leinster House, I will ask them to leave the meeting. I remind witnesses that because they are giving evidence from outside of Leinster House, they may not have the same privilege as if they were in Leinster House. They may think it is appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. They are again reminded that they should not criticise or make charges against any person, or damage the good name of any person. They must stop if I say that I think they are breaking the rules.

Although the minutes of the previous meeting on 15 June were already approved in the virtual meeting, we must do this for procedural reasons. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed.

Before we hear from the witnesses I propose that we publish their opening statements on the committee website. The opening statements are from Focus Ireland and the Housing Agency. Is that agreed? Agreed.