Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I wish everyone a good afternoon and welcome them to the committee. We recommence our oversight of the review of the planning system. We are joined again by Ms Maria Graham, assistant secretary, Ms Mary Jones, principal officer, Mr. Colin Ryan, senior planning adviser and Mr. Eugene Waters, assistant principal officer, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The opening statement and briefing material have been circulated to members.

I must read a quick note on privilege before we begin. 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, to participate in public meetings. Witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contribution to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chair to ensure 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 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.

We are going to discuss themes 2, 3 and 4, which are consents, enforcement and planning bodies. Briefing material on that has been circulated. I invite Ms Graham to make the opening statement on behalf of the Department.