Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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We are here to address the issue of vacant derelict sites and underused spaces. I remind members that there will be two one-hour sessions. I welcome to the first session Dr. Lorcan Sirr, Ms Orla Hegarty and Mr. Mel Reynolds from the Dublin Institute of Technology. I also welcome Mr. Pat Doyle, Mr. Francis Doherty and Mr. Brian Friel from the Peter McVerry Trust. The joint committee is pleased to have the opportunity to engage with the various stakeholders on this important issue.

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 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 or her or it identifiable. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Sirr to make his presentation.