Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 17 May 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government

National Oversight Audit Commission’s 2021 Annual Report: Discussion

Photo of Steven MatthewsSteven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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I welcome everyone. The committee is meeting today with the National Oversight Audit Commission, NOAC, to discuss its 2021 annual report on local authorities. We are joined today by Mr. Michael McCarthy, chairperson; Mr. Ciarán Hayes, board member; and Ms Claire Gavin, head of secretariat. I thank the witnesses for their attendance today. Our meeting will be split into two sessions. The first session will run from 3 p.m. until 4.30 p.m. In the second session, between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., we will deal with the Local Government Audit Service, LGAS, report. The opening statements and briefing on the 2021 report have been circulated to members.

Before we begin, I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. Those attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamatory action arising from their remarks at the meeting. Members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with such direction. Members and witnesses 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. McCarthy to make the opening statement on behalf of NOAC.