Mr. Conor Skehan:

I thank the joint committee for this opportunity. I am new to the agency, which is also relatively new and is a combination of previously existing agencies. From what I have learned during the past month, the agency has already established a clear and valued role in the provision of a more sustainable housing system. Officials from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government have told me it is the go-to agency for them.

Following investigation, I have determined that the agency has an extremely well-articulated system of values that guide its delivery and is committed to service and accountability. If my nomination is confirmed, I will be proud to be associated with those values. I have also looked at the agency's governance system and found that there are good governance systems in place which establish clear evidence-based objectives in the fields of promotion and delivery of housing and innovation, supporting management in good housing practice and providing policy advice on research on housing. The agency is committed to a high level of performance. Everything I have seen to date suggests that this is the type of organisation which, if my nomination is confirmed, I would be proud to work with. I would see my role principally as ensuring the agency receives the support and resources necessary to achieve these objectives.

The approach I propose to take will be dominated by the lessons I have learned from the previous roles entrusted to me by various Governments. Those lessons include, to listen to stakeholders and to take an ears open and mouth shut approach in the first instance.