Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Today we are dealing with matters pertaining to Irish heritage and engaging with the Heritage Council. I welcome Dr. Martina Moloney, chair designate of the Heritage Council; and Ms Virginia Teehan, chief executive officer of the council. Members have been provided with the opening statement furnished by the Heritage Council.

Standing Order 96 provides that the committee has the power to require that the chairperson designate of a body or agency under the aegis of the Department shall, prior to his or her appointment, attend before the committee to discuss his or her strategic priorities for the role. Today's meeting, while we are looking more broadly at activities of the council and heritage in general, will be considered to have discharged that requirement under Standing Orders.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. Witnesses and members attending today's meeting, whether in person or remotely within the Leinster House complex, 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Those participating in today's meeting are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to the proceedings. This means 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 privilege is not abused. If I am of the opinion that any statement is potentially defamatory or an identified person or entity, the member or witness making the statement will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such direction.

I welcome Dr. Moloney and Ms Teehan. The committee has noted that heritage is now a significant part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We have not had the opportunity as yet to address heritage matters, although a number of members have emphasised how important they are. We do consider heritage to be very important. When we lose heritage, whether it is architectural, cultural or natural heritage, it is gone and it is very hard to get back. That is why it is so important that we acknowledge what we have and take whatever steps we can to preserve and conserve it for future generations. The heritage of a town, place, country or region connects generations together. It builds communities and fosters civic pride in an area when heritage is known. It is very important to us. It is just that our committee has been absolutely overrun with housing and planning issues and water-related issues. I am delighted we are getting an opportunity to address heritage today.

I invite Dr. Moloney to make her opening statement.