Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I draw attention to the fact that 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 committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery are requested to ensure that mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to flight mode for the duration of the meeting, depending on the device, and not simply placed into silent mode.

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to consider the Estimates for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney - whose Department will be renamed to cover housing, planning and local government - the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, and their officials. They are most welcome here this morning for the first meeting of this new committee. The meeting will consider the Estimate for the Department for 2016, including an examination of the financial allocations and associated output targets for the current year. Copies of the Vote 34 Estimate for housing, planning and local government and the Department's briefing have been circulated to members. I invite the Minister to make a brief opening statement.