Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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This meeting is a continuation of a meeting we had earlier in the year looking at the recent trends in the private rental sector. We are joined by representatives from the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, who I welcome to the committee and thank for their attendance. From the RTB we are joined by Mr. Tom Dunne, chairperson, Mr. Niall Byrne, director, Ms Lucia Crimin, deputy director, and Ms Caren Gallagher, head of communications and research. The opening statement has been circulated to committee members and also an extract from research the RTB has been carrying out on trends in the rental sector.

Before we begin I will read a note on privilege. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. Witnesses who are attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. That means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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.

The format we follow is a seven-minute segment for each committee member to ask questions and that includes the time for the answers also. I invite Mr. Dunne to make his opening statement.