Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Good afternoon. I welcome everyone to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Today's discussion is with Waterways Ireland. I welcome Mr. Éanna Rowe and Mr. Patrick Harkin back to the committee again. This is their third time with us in recent months, and the committee appreciates the level of engagement that they have shown. We are joined by many people who are concerned about the by-laws or have an interest in them. I welcome all the guests to the committee today as well as those looking in.

Before I start, I will read a brief note on privilege. I remind members of the constitutional requirement they must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. Those witnesses attending the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of contributions made to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything said at the meeting. Members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 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.

Mr. Rowe will make the opening statement on behalf of Waterways Ireland. Before we commence, as we are dealing with waterways, on behalf of members of the committee, I offer our condolences to the family and friends of the two men who tragically lost their lives in the canal last weekend. I invite Mr. Rowe to make his opening statement.