Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Good morning everybody and welcome to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Today we begin our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the local government (maternity protection and other measures for local authority elected members) Bill 2022. I welcome Deputy Denise Mitchell, who is substituting for Deputy O'Broin, and Senator Maria Byrne, who is substituting for Senator Cummins. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, and his officials to the committee. An opening statement, a briefing and the general scheme of the Bill have been circulated to members.

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, in order to participate in public meetings. For those attending remotely within the confines of Leinster House complex they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meetings. 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.

I will now invite the Minister of State, Deputy Burke, to make his opening statement and I thank him for being here this morning.