Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in our public meetings.

Today the select committee is required to consider the Further Revised Estimate in respect of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage - Vote 34. I welcome the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and his officials and Deputy John Cummins, Minister of State with responsibility for local government, to the meeting. We appreciate the comprehensive briefing material which was provided by the Department for today's discussion. It has been circulated to members.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards reference 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, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I now invite the Minister and the Minister of State to make their comments on the Further Revised Estimate.