Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

Before we commence, I am cognisant that I meant to say this during the previous session. I ask members to be careful, when speaking to witnesses, that the ultimate responsibility for any Department lies with the Minister on behalf of the Government, or indeed with the Secretary General. I ask members to be mindful of that when speaking to witnesses who are staff from the Departments.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue our discussion with Professor Michelle Norris and Mr. Dara Turnbull. We are also joined by representatives from the Irish Council for Social Housing, Mr. Donal McManus, CEO, Mr. Sean O'Connor, chief executive of Tuath Housing and Ms Lyndsey Anderson , housing policy specialist. Their opening statements have been circulated to members already and I will take them as read. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will publish those statements on our website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I am conscious of the time. Members will have five minutes each and we will start with Deputy McGrath.