Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone to the meeting. We commence pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the planning and development and foreshore (amendment Bill) 2022. We have two sessions this morning and this one is between 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. We are joined by officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, namely, Ms Maria Graham, assistant secretary, Mr. Frank Gallagher and Ms Nina Murray, principal officers, and Mr. Colin Ryan, senior planning advisor. The opening statements have been circulated to members.

Before we commence I must give a note on privilege. 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 witnesses attending in the committee room, they 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 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 invite Ms Graham to make her opening statement.