Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I draw the attention of witnesses 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.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee 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 broadcasting and recording services, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery are asked to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely or switched to airplane safe or flight mode, depending on the device, for the duration of the meeting.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. David Walsh, Mr. Niall Cussen, Mr. Terry Sheridan and Mr. Earnán Ó Cléirigh from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government; Mr. Brendan Allen, Mr. Brian Keaney, Mr. Seán O'Leary and Mr. John Spain from the Irish Planning Institute; and Dr. Aideen Hayden and Mr. Diarmaid O'Sullivan from Threshold. The committee has decided that it will take the first part of the Bill with the Irish Planning Institute and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government up to 11 a.m. and then proceed to the rental section of that Bill until 11.45 a.m. Is it agreed that we will take the statements as read and allow witnesses from the Department to say a few opening words? Agreed.