Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Matthews and Duffy. Today, we will engage in pre-legislative scrutiny of the Land Value Sharing and Urban Development Zones Bill 2022. We are beginning the pre-legislative scrutiny process. From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, we are joined by Mr. Paul Hogan, acting assistant secretary, planning division, Ms Karen Kenny, senior planning advisor, and Ms Claragh Mulhern, acting principal planning adviser.

Their opening statements 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 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. It is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses 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 now invite Mr. Hogan to make his opening statement.