Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The next item on our agenda is an engagement with Mr. David Creighton, senior architect, and Mr. Thomas Kelleher, senior executive quantity surveyor, from Kildare County Council in relation to Mr. Eamon Broughan's petition, No. 2 of 2022, entitled "Homelessness is a cancer, blocked up houses are not the cure".

Before we begin I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference the witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose that we publish Mr. Creighton's opening statement on the committee's website. Is that agreed?