Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are discussing the review of part B (fire safety) of building regulations. We are joined today by Mr. Dennis Keeley, chief fire officer and Ms Mary O'Brien, assistant chief fire officer, from the Dublin Fire Brigade. I thank them for giving their time to us today and their opening statements, which we received in advance. By way of background, the committee has met a couple of times prior to this to examine areas around modern methods of construction and building with timber and changes to building regulations to facilitate that. The fact that there is a public consultation under way at present is quite timely. Your presence is greatly appreciated by the committee.

Before we begin, may I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. For those witnesses attending in the committee room, you are protected by absolute privilege in respect of your contributions to today's meeting. This means you have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything you say at the meeting, but 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 your statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, you are directed to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that you 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 meeting today will be an hour and a half and will run until approximately 4.40 p.m. For the information of witnesses, we generally have seven-minute segments to ask questions and receive answers. I invite Mr. Keeley to make his opening statement.