Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Mr. Earnán Ó Cléirigh, Ms Catherine Higgins and Ms Paula O'Reilly from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Ms Rosalind Carroll and Mr. Padraig McGoldrick from the Residential Tenancies Board and Mr. David Silke from the Housing Agency.

Today's meeting will involve engagement with witnesses on the strategy of the rental sector.

I wish to 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 this 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'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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Having received the opening statement from the Department in advance, we will now take it as read, and with the agreement of the committee, will go straight into questions.

I call Deputy Ó Broin.