Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Apologies have been received from Deputy Brendan Smith and Senator Paul Daly.

Everyone is welcome. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on silent or switched off.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Witnesses within the precincts of Leinster House are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure 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 the witnesses comply with any such direction.

Members are also 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 of the Houses either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for today's meeting is student accommodation, with the following witnesses. From the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, we have Mr. Paul Lemass, assistant secretary general; Ms Patricia Lee, assistant principal; Ms Niamh Griffin, higher executive officer; and Ms Nicola Finnegan, higher executive officer. From the Higher Education Authority, we have Ms Orla Nugent, deputy chief executive officer; Mr. Ciaran McCaffrey, head of capital funding; and Ms Emily Cunningham, senior manager of capital programmes. They are all very welcome to the meeting.

I call Mr. Lemass from the Department to make his opening statement, for which he has five minutes.