Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Good afternoon. Attendees are very welcome to this meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Today we are going to commence pre-legislative scrutiny of the residential development Bill. We are joined by Mr. Peter Hogan, chief planning adviser, Mr. Colin Ryan, Mr. Conor O’Sullivan and Ms Ciara Gallagher from the planning division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The briefing material and opening statement have been circulated to members. I will first ask for the Department's opening statement. We will then circulate through members and take five minute slots of questions and answers.

I will read the note on privilege. Members attending remotely from within Leinster House are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make. 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. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such a request. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in the public meetings. 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 or her identifiable.

The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Mr. Hogan is very welcome. I invite him to make his opening statement.