Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Everyone is very welcome to our first meeting since our summer break. 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 in silent mode 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. As the witnesses are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at this meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and 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 they comply with any such direction.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for today's meeting is student accommodation. I welcome Mr. Bryan O'Mahony, president of Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn; Ms Maise Hall, president of Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe; Mr. Emil Kindl, president of Atlantic Technological University Sligo Students Union; Mr. Alex Angland, president of University College Cork Students' Union; and Mr. Michael Roche, president of University College Dublin Students Union.

We have received five opening statements. To maximise discussion time on this topic, I will call Mr. O'Mahony to make his opening statement. Before I do, though, apologies have been received from Senators Dee Ryan and Paul Daly and Deputy John Connolly.