Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This is the second session on the pre-legislative scrutiny of general scheme of the planning and development and foreshore (amendment Bill) 2022. We are joined by the Ms Attracta Uí Bhroin of the Irish Environmental Network, IEN, Mr. Gavin Lawlor of the Irish Planning Institute and Ms Karin Dubsky of Coastwatch. They are all very welcome this morning to assist us as we go through the general scheme.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. Those attending remotely from within the Leinster House complex 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 individuals' 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 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 Uí Bhroin to make her opening statement. We have the room until 12.30 p.m., so we have a little more time for this session than the previous one.