John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have convened this afternoon to consider the enhanced concrete blocks scheme. From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage we are joined by Ms Áine Stapleton, assistant secretary, Mr. Derek Rafferty, principal officer, and Mr. John Wickham, senior adviser. From the Housing Agency, we are joined by Mr. Bob Jordan, chief executive officer, and Mr. Peadar Espey, programme manager. Joining us from the County and City Management Association, CCMA, are Mr. Kevin Kelly, chief executive, Mayo County Council, and Mr. Michael McGarvey, director of services, Donegal County Council. From the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, we are joined remotely by Ms Geraldine Larkin, chief executive officer, Mr. Enda McDonnell, director of standards, and Dr. Ken Murphy, standards officer. From Engineers Ireland, we are joined by Mr. Damien Owens, director general, and Mr. John Garrett, chartered engineer.

The relevant papers have been circulated to members. Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. The witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty, as Chair, to ensure the privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness does who is physically present.

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 either a 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 opening statements have been circulated. I ask the witnesses to try to keep their contributions to five minutes. I invite Ms Stapleton to give her opening statement.