Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everybody to this meeting, the purpose of which is to recommence our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the land value sharing and urban development zones Bill 2022. I welcome the representatives from the Irish Planning Institute, IPI, and thank them for giving of their time. With us are: Dr. Seán O'Leary, senior planner; Mr. Philip Jones, chair of the policy and research committee; and Mr. Robert Keran, chair of the private practice branch. The opening statement and briefing document have been circulated to members.

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. 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.

This is the second meeting we have had on this Bill. Last week, officials from the Department were with us. I invite Dr. O'Leary to make the opening statement.