Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

No apologies have been received. Members are advised of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in meetings.

Vacant and derelict properties in our cities, towns and villages are not just an eyesore but also a significant obstacle to both solving the housing crisis and renewing our urban centres. The 2022 census recorded 166,000 vacant properties, while the GeoDirectory residential buildings report in June of this year reports 80,000 vacant and 20,000 derelict properties. I am pleased to have the opportunity to consider this and related matters further with representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the County and City Management Association, CCMA, Dublin City Council and Longford County Council.

I welcome from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr. Paul Hogan, assistant secretary for planning, Ms Laura Behan, assistant secretary affordable housing division, Mr. Stewart Logan, senior planner, and Ms Ann Marie O'Connor, principal officer. From the CCMA, I welcome Mr. Paddy Mahon, chair and chief executive of Longford County Council, Mr. Coilín O'Reilly, chair of the CCMA's rural development, community, culture and heritage committee and chief executive of Carlow County Council, and Ms Nicola Lawlor, town regeneration officer, Carlow County Council. From Dublin City Council, I welcome Mr. Anthony Flynn, assistant chief executive with responsibility for planning, Mr. Karl Mitchell, executive manager with responsibility for the Dublin inner city task force, and Mr. Darach O'Connor, executive manager for property and urban regeneration. From Longford County Council, in addition to Mr. Paddy Mahon, I welcome Mr. John Brannigan, director of services, and Ms Samantha Healy, director of services.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards 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 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. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements from all parties have been circulated to members. In the interest of time, I will take it that all opening statements have been read by members. Is that agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed that we publish the opening statements on the Oireachtas website? Agreed. Our meeting rota was circulated to members. I will start with five-minute slots. I remind members and witnesses that the five minutes are for both questions and answers. I ask members to direct their questions to specific witnesses and I ask witnesses to keep their answers as concise as possible. The first speaker is Deputy Séamus McGrath.