Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and people in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones.

I bring to the attention of those present that witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action arising out of anything said at a committee meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, within reason, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as do witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publications by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to utterances of members participating online from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance regarding participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The purpose of today's meeting is to undertake examination of revitalising derelict and vacant homes on farmland. In the first session, the committee will hear from representatives of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, IPAV, Mr. Patrick Davitt, CEO, and Mr. John Kennedy, senior vice president. I invite Mr. Davitt to make opening remarks of five minutes, before moving to questions and answers.