Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The second item on the agenda is detailed scrutiny of the Vacant Housing Refurbishment Bill 2017. I welcome Dr. Richard Manton and Mr. John Bailey of Engineers Ireland; Mr. Peter Hynes, Mr. Richard Shakespeare, Mr. Pat Nestor and Mr. Séamus Murphy of the County and City Management Association; and Mr. Paraig Cantwell and Mr. John Commane of the Institute of Clerks of Works.

Before we begin, I wish to draw the attention of the witnesses 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 the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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. 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. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The committee normally gives witnesses approximately four minutes for each opening statement, but there is a fair bit of flexibility. I invite Dr. Manton to make his opening statement.