Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, members and those in the Visitors Gallery are requested to ensure their mobile phones have been turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device used, for the duration of the meeting. It is not sufficient to leave them in silent mode as it will maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting system.

No. 5 on the agenda is detailed scrutiny of the Housing (Homeless Families) Bill 2017. In our first session we will hear from the sponsor of the Bill, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and her legal adviser. In our second session we will hear from officials from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Deputy Jan O'Sullivan and Mr. Finbarr O'Malley.

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, 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 call Deputy Jan O'Sullivan to make her opening statement.