Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are all welcome. This afternoon we will be discussing the costs of construction and we are joined by a number of representatives from the construction industry. From the Construction Industry Federation, CIF, we have Mr. James Benson, director of housing, planning and development services; and Mr. Conor O'Connell, director of the southern region. From the County and City Management Association, CCMA, we have Mr. Eddie Taaffe, the programme co-ordinator of the housing delivery co-ordination office; and Ms Margaret Geraghty, the assistant programme co-ordinator. From the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland we are joined by Mr. Kevin James, president; and Ms Lisa Rocca, incoming chair of the planning and development professional group committee. I thank the witnesses for attending. Members have been circulated with the opening statements and the briefing documents.

Before I invite our witnesses to make their opening statements, I will read a note on privilege. 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, to participate in public meetings. Those attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action arising from their remarks at the meeting. Members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Benson to make the opening statement on behalf of CIF.