John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

We will now begin session 3. The committee will engage with representatives from the Peter McVerry Trust. I welcome Mr. Tony O'Brien, chairperson, Mr. Niall Mulligan, chief executive officer, Ms Martina Duggan, director of corporate services, and Mr. Ger Mullen, director of finance. Officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are also attending today in a representative capacity. We are joined by Mr. David Kelly, assistant secretary general, homelessness, rental and social inclusion division; Ms Rosemary Tobin, principal officer, homelessness policy funding and delivery; Mr. Brendan White, principal officer, social housing delivery; Ms Jennifer Peyton, assistant principal officer, social housing delivery; and Mr. Liam Murray, assistant principal officer, approved housing body policy and regulation. As noted earlier, we are also joined by Ms Colette Drinan, secretary and director of audit from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Members of the committee were advised of their duties in relation to any remarks made and I would like to outline the privilege notice for the witnesses. I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to other persons 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. 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. It is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this privilege is not abused. 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 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 a 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 they comply with any such direction.

I now invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement. As set out in the letter of invitation, he has five minutes.