Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I advise Members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings.

Ireland faces many challenges in respect of delivery of housing such as addressing imbalances between supply and demand, streamlining the planning processes, improving construction productivity and ensuring financial viability for projects. Today I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider this and related matters with representatives from the Housing Agency and the Land Development Agency. From the Housing Agency I welcome Mr. Martin Whelan, CEO; Mr. David Silke, director of insights and operations; Mr. Jim Baneham, director of delivery and innovation; Mr. Pat Fitzpatrick, acting director of services and inclusion; and Ms Gwen Perry, head of affordable housing. From the Land Development Agency I welcome Mr. John Coleman, CEO; Mr. Phelim O'Neill, director of development; Ms Dearbhla Lawson, director of planning services; Mr. Enda McGuane, director of asset management; and Ms Sharon Geraghty, chief of staff. You are very welcome, and thank you for taking time to come to our public meeting.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person 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. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not 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. 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 that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements that were sent to the committee have been circulated to members. I think there will be a lot of questions from many Members. We might take the opening statements as read, because I know the members have read them, and agree that the statements that have been sent in will be published on the Oireachtas website.

I now invite Members to discuss the issues with the representatives. I remind anybody who might be participating remotely to use the raised hand feature and cancel it when he or she has finished speaking. The first speaker is a representative from Fianna Fáil, Deputy Séamus McGrath.