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

At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, members and visitors in the Public Gallery are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to aeroplane, safe or flight mode, depending on their device. It is not sufficient to put one's phone on silent mode as this will maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting system. The next item is consideration of a motion regarding the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2017 (Increase in Number of Ordinary Members to An Bord Pleanála) Order 2018 with the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government with special responsibility for housing and urban development, Deputy Damien English, referred by the order of the Houses to the joint committee. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Minister of State, Deputy English, and his officials, Ms Niamh Dew and Mr. Terry Sheridan, to the meeting this morning.

Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the House, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.