Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Gavan and An Cathaoirleach, Deputy Denis Naughten. Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House precincts only.

I welcome the witnesses. They are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at this meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege 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, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will now consider SI 37/2024, Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) (Amendment) (No.1) (Income Disregard) Regulations of 2024, and SI 38/2024, Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) (Amendment) (No. 1) (Calculation of Means) Regulations of 2024. The effect of these amendments is to extend the circumstances whereby people can rent out a room in their homes while still availing of the income disregard in respect of the rental income from the room.

I welcome to the meeting Mr. Niall Egan, assistant secretary general, Mr. Alan Flynn, principal officer and Ms Saidhbhin Hardiman, principal officer. I invite Mr. Egan to make his opening statement.