Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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As we have a quorum of three Teachtaí Dála, we will commence the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed. Apologies have been received from the Chairman of the select sub-committee, Deputy Michael McCarthy. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones as they can interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting and adversely affect television coverage and web streaming. I remind members that this meeting will be conducted in public session. The meeting has been convened for the purpose of the consideration by the select sub-committee of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2015. Is that agreed? Agreed.

This Bill was referred by Dáil Éireann to the Select Sub-Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government on 8 October 2015. The aim of the Bill is to dissolve the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, to provide for the transfer of certain rights and functions to Dublin City Council as a consequence of the dissolution, to establish the docklands consultative forum, to provide for planning and development matters in the Dublin docklands area and to provide for related matters. The Bill contains five Parts and 44 sections. There are 22 amendments proposed.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for housing, planning and co-ordination of the Construction 2020 strategy, Deputy Paudie Coffey, and his officials to this evening's meeting. I thank the officials for their attendance and remind them that they should not speak at this meeting, as only the Minister of State should speak. It is proposed to group the following amendments for the purposes of debate: Nos. 1a, 2 to 4, inclusive, and 4a; Nos. 6 to 12, inclusive; and Nos. 13 to 19, inclusive. Amendments Nos. 5 and 20 have been ruled out of order. All other amendments that are not grouped will be discussed individually.