Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

No apologies have been received. 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.

Like the housing market in general, the residential rental sector is facing significant issues and challenges for both tenants and landlords. The greatest single challenge is the lack of supply, which, in turn, is driving up rents. Other issues facing the sector include security of tenure, tenancy terminations, changes to no-fault evictions, the operation and reform of rent pressure zones, reset of market rents and changes to the sale of rental properties by landlords.

I am pleased the committee has the opportunity to consider this and other related matters with representatives from Threshold, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, IPAV, and the Irish Property Owners Association, IPOA. I welcome, from Threshold, Mr. John-Mark McCafferty, CEO, and Ms Ann-Marie O'Reilly, national advocacy manager; from IPAV, Mr. Pat Davitt, CEO, and Mr. Fintan McGill, president, and from the IPOA, Ms Mary Conway, chairperson, Mr. Maurice Deverell, spokesperson and committee member, and Ms Margaret McCormick, information officer.

I will 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 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.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. We have a tight timeframe for our meeting. I want members to have an opportunity to ask questions and make points so we will take the opening statements as read. I propose that we publish the opening statements? Is that agreed? Agreed.

I ask members to direct their questions to the witnesses from whom they want an answer. A time limit for asking questions and for the answers applies. We will move straight to questions.