Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are joined from the Office of the Planning Regulator, OPR, by Mr. Niall Cussen, planning regulator and chief executive; Ms Anne Marie O'Connor, deputy planning regulator and director of plans and evaluations; and Mr. Gary Ryan, director of reviews and examinations. From An Bord Pleanála, we are joined by Ms Oonagh Buckley, interim chairperson; Ms Brid Hill, chief officer; and Mr. Gerard Egan, director of corporate affairs. We received their opening statements, for which we thank them. They have been circulated to members.

Before we begin, 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 in the committee room 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. Members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of 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.

On behalf of the committee, I thank our guests for attending the meeting. Both organisations have a critical role in the oversight and consenting process for planning. We hope this new planning Bill will be fit for purpose to see us through at least the next decade of planning needs and all the challenges they will present to us in the context of housing, energy and transport infrastructure and so on.

I invite Mr. Cussen to make his opening statement.