Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone. Today we are meeting representatives of the Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency because the committee wishes to discuss the funding, financing and related matters that concern social and affordable housing. We are joined by Mr. Bob Jordan, chief executive officer, Ms Claire Feeney, head of local authority services, and Mr. Jim Baneham, director of delivery, Housing Agency. We are also joined by Mr. Barry O'Leary, chief executive officer, Mr. Seán Cremen, head of treasury, and Mr. Tom Conroy, company secretary, Housing Finance Agency. I thank the organisations for their opening statements and briefing documents, which have been circulated to members.

I will first ask the witnesses for their opening statements and then members will be invited to address their questions to them. There will be a seven-minute slot that will cover questions and answers. Where members ask a general question I suggest that they direct it to a witness as it would help move things along.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in the public meetings. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty, as Chair, to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members and witnesses 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. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be available on the Oireachtas website after the meeting.

By way of background, the committee has decided to hold a series of two or three meetings on the area of social public housing and affordable housing. We are going to look at funding, financing, delivery and any difficulties and opportunities that exist. We hope to produce a report after our two or three meetings.

I invite Mr. Jordan to make his opening statement on behalf of the Housing Agency and he will be followed by Mr. O'Leary who will do the same on behalf of the Housing Finance Agency.