Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This is our second public meeting in our examination of the Bill on dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks. From the expert working group on the scheme we are joined by Mr. Paul Forde, chair and Mr. Martin Lynch, general manager of the pyrite remediation scheme. From Engineers Ireland we are joined by Mr. Damien Owens, registrar, Mr. Alec McAllister, associate director of advocacy and engagement and Mr. Aidan O’Connell, chartered engineer. From the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland we are joined by Mr. Kevin Brady and Mr. Micheál Mahon who are chartered quantity surveyors and Ms Sabrina Mackin who is a chartered building surveyor. Members have been circulated with the relevant papers and opening statements.

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. 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.

I will invite Mr. Forde, Mr. Owens and Mr. Brady to make their opening statements after which we will go to a question-and-answer session with the members.