Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am acting as Chairman today because of the unavailability of the Chairman and Vice Chairman. I accept their apologies. I will take speakers in the order in which they raise their hand.

The minutes of this committee to date have been agreed in private session. Can we agree to note this and that the minutes of the joint committee's meeting of 23 June are agreed? Agreed.

We are here to scrutinise the general scheme of the finance (local property tax) (amendment) Bill 2021. I welcome members and viewers who may be watching on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the joint committee. We are joined by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, and his officials. The Minister will make some brief opening remarks. After that, there will be questions and answers from committee members. I understand from speaking to the Chairman that the Minister is aware that members may wish to comment on his recent announcement regarding the disposal of the State's shareholding in Bank of Ireland and the finance Bill relating to the European stability mechanism and single resolution fund. Members and the Minister are reminded that the meeting must conclude within two hours.

I have to start with an important notice on parliamentary privilege. 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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, in order to participate in public meetings. Witnesses attending remotely from outside the parliamentary campus are aware that full privilege may not apply.