John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

You are all very welcome to today's meeting. The committee will today examine matters relating to the Peter McVerry Trust. This is part of the committee's examination of the 2023 accounts of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, whose representatives attended in June 2025. The Peter McVerry Trust is an approved housing body that provides homeless services in the State. The trust receives significant State funds, and in November 2023 required exceptional State funding of €15 million. This was subject to a chapter by the Comptroller and Auditor General, which is one of the bases for the committee’s examination today.

We have scheduled three public sessions. In session one, we meet with Mr. Francis Doherty, the former CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust. In session two, at 11 a.m., we will engage with the Charities Regulator and the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority. In session three, at 2 p.m., we will engage with the Peter McVerry Trust. I welcome Mr. Francis Doherty, former chief executive officer of the Peter McVerry Trust. Ms Colette Drinan, secretary and director of audit from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, will also be in attendance throughout each of today’s sessions.

Before we proceed, I have a few housekeeping matters to go through. Members are reminded of the provisions in Standing Order 226 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House.

I also wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references that may be made to other persons in 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. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege, and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Witnesses are also 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 your remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I call Mr. Doherty to give the opening statement. Mr. Doherty, as set out in the letter of invitation, will have five minutes to make his opening statement.