Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have apologies from Deputy Munster. The witnesses are very welcome. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. This means that witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that it is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to the committee. He is accompanied this morning by Ms Maria Reck, audit manager at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. This morning we are going to engage with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency, to examine the following matters: Appropriation accounts 2022: Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage Programme A - Housing; Financial statements 2022 - the Housing Agency; Report on the accounts of public services 2022: Chapter 11 - Utilisation of the land aggregation scheme sites.

We are joined by the following officials this morning. From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr. Graham Doyle, Secretary General; Ms Áine Stapleton, assistant secretary, social housing division; Ms Caroline Timmons, assistant secretary, affordable housing division; Mr. David Kelly, assistant secretary, homeless, rental and social inclusion division; Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, assistant secretary, housing policy and standards division; and Mr. Paul Hogan, acting assistant secretary, planning division. From the Housing Agency, we are joined by the following officials: Mr. Bob Jordan, CEO; Ms Claire Feeney, director of services and inclusion; and Mr. Jim Baneham, director of delivery and innovation. We are also joined this morning by Ms Jenny O'Connor, principal officer from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. You are all very welcome. We have the full team here this morning. I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.