Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are today discussing the ongoing review of the national planning framework in the context of the climate targets for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We organised this meeting on foot of the Climate Change Advisory Council having written to the Minister. To the extent that getting our national planning right impacts on how we achieve our climate targets, we felt it would be right to bring these two meetings together.

From the Climate Change Advisory Council, we are joined by Mr. George Hussey, secretariat manager, and Ms Gina Kelly, scientific officer; from the Office of the Planning Regulator, by Ms Anne Marie O'Connor, deputy planning regulator, and Ms Caren Gallagher, director of research, training and public awareness; from the National Transport Authority, by Ms Anne Graham, CEO, and Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy CEO; and from the Irish Planning Institute, by Mr. Gavin Lawlor, vice president, and Dr. Seán O'Leary, senior planner. I thank them for their opening statements, which were circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

I will now read a note on privilege before we start. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. If, therefore, their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 opening statements will be made available on the committee’s website after the meeting.

I invite Mr. Hussey to make his opening statement.