Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Everybody is very welcome to the meeting where we reconvene our discussions on modern methods of construction. Today we are joined by the following expert witnesses: Mr. David Browne and Mr. Pat Kirwan, Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, RIAI; Mr. Tom Parlon, Mr. Sean Downey and Mr. Martin Searson, Construction Industry Federation, CIF; and Mr. Dominic Stevens and Ms Claire McManus, JFOC Architects. I thank them for their attendance today and for their opening statements, which they sent us in advance.

I will read a short note on privilege 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 witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. That 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.

The order of the opening statements will be as follows: Mr. Browne, Mr. Parlon and Mr. Stevens. We will have seven-minute segments for questions and answers. I invite Mr. Browne to make his opening statement.