John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Higgins. The minutes of our meeting of 14 June 2023 were agreed earlier in private session. Today the committee will meet representatives of the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation, IMHO. Everyone will be very familiar with Mr. David Hall.

We are discussing investment funds or vulture funds and their activity in the Irish property market. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. David Hall, Ms Grainne Irwin and Mr. James Byrne.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the position regarding privilege. Witnesses physically present will be given full parliamentary privilege. Those who are outside the precincts, which refers particularly to Ms Irwin, may be entitled to limited privilege. Those who make their contribution here are entitled to full privilege. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be asked to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such action. Again, witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence on site.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to they 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 a such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members attending remotely of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of place that parliament has chosen sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in the meetings.

I revert to Mr. Hall, who will give his opening statement first and will be followed by Mr. Byrne.