Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

No apologies have been received but we have received correspondence from Deputy Gould indicating that Deputy Buckley will be replacing him today.

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 is facing ongoing difficulties in delivering affordable housing to meet demand. The cost of buying and renting a home has risen faster than most people's incomes, making it even harder for many to find a place they can afford. A range of factors contribute to this, including delays in planning, a shortage of workers and building materials, limited funding for housing projects, and increased investment activity in the property market. These challenges have led to fewer people owning homes and more experiencing housing insecurity.

Today, I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider this and other related matters with representatives of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Land Development Agency, LDA, and the City and County Managers Association, CCMA. From the Department, I welcome Ms Laura Behan, acting assistant secretary in the affordable housing division, Ms Anne Marie O'Connor, principal officer and head of the vacant homes unit, and Mr. Trevor Donnelly, principal officer and head of the viability schemes unit; from the LDA, Mr. John Coleman, CEO, Mr. Phelim O'Neill, director of development, Ms Dearbhla Lawson, director of planning services, and Mr. Enda McGuane, director of asset management; and from the CCMA, Mr. Eddie Taaffe, chair of the housing committee, and Ms Niamh McCarthy, assistant national co-ordinator in the housing delivery co-ordination office.

Before we begin, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to 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 to the effect 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 that 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 and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. I will take them as read, so I will ask each organisation to provide a briefing of a minute or a minute and a half rather than giving the full statement. We will then publish the statements on the committee website. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite Ms Behan to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Department.