Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I welcome representatives from the Housing Supply Alliance, Mr. Cathal Callan, director of finance and corporate services, Clúid Housing; Mr. Kieron Brennan, chief executive officer of Co-operative Housing Ireland.

I also welcome Mr. Patrick Coyle, development officer with Oaklee Housing, and Mr. Declan Dunne, CEO of Respond! Housing Association.

Before we begin, I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 Mr. Brennan to make his opening statement.