Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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I welcome Ms Mary Hughes, president; Mr. Seán O'Leary, Mr. John Spain and Mr. Henk van der Kamp from the Irish Planning Institute and thank them for their attendance.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence.

They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other document submitted to the committee may be published on its website once the meeting has concluded.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. As they are aware, the committee earlier considered the general scheme of the Planning and Development (No. 1) Bill 2014 and we will revisit the legislation. The delegates' appearance before us is, therefore, timely and I look forward to hearing their views and recommendations. I invite Ms Hughes to make her opening statement.