Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We reconvene to discuss developments in the private rental sector following on from our private session earlier this morning. We are joined by Dr. Michael Byrne of University College Dublin, UCD, Ms Ann-Marie O'Reilly and Mr. Owen Duggan from Threshold, Ms Mary Conway, Ms Margaret McCormick and Mr. Brendan Allen of the Irish Property Owners Association, IPOA, and Mr. Pat Davitt, Mr. Gerry Coffey and Mr. Paul McCourtney of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, IPAV. The opening statements have been circulated to members. I ask witnesses to limit their contributions to five minutes as a result.

I will read a note on privilege. Before we begin, I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. Witnesses attending the committee are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions at today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action or anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege they enjoy. 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 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 any person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as would make him or her identifiable.

I invite the witnesses to make their opening statements in the following order: Dr. Byrne will be followed by Ms O'Reilly, Ms Conway and Mr. Davitt if everyone is in agreement. We will start with Dr. Byrne.