Mr. James Connolly Heron:

I wish to commence by saying the first occasion when I was informed of the joint Oireachtas committee meeting and the preservation of historic buildings in the city was when I received a copy of a letter that had been forwarded to the Chairman’s predecessor, Deputy Ciarán Lynch. Before I begin my statement I wish to state for clarity and for the record that in regard to the communication, I am bound, a Chathaoirligh, to refer to a communication to your office that questions the standing of honourable members of the Save 16 Moore Street Committee, including members of the National Graves Association - the campaign founders - who have for over a decade remained steadfast in their opposition to the planned demolition of No. 16 Moore Street and its surrounding area. The cheap attempt on the part of supporters of the Chartered Land planning application, some of whom are present today, to smear their reputation is a disgrace and cannot be allowed stand unchallenged.