Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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The purpose of this second session is to consider the defective blocks scheme regulations and the review of IS 465. From the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, we are joined by: Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, assistant secretary; Mr. Koen Verbruggen, director of Geological Survey Ireland; Mr. Derek Rafferty, principal officer; and Mr. John Wickham, senior adviser in building standards. From the County and City Management Association, CCMA, we are joined by: Mr. Kevin Kelly, chief executive of Mayo County Council; and Mr. Liam Ward, director of services, Donegal County Council. From the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, we are joined by: Ms Geraldine Larkin, chief executive officer; Dr. Ken Murphy, senior scientific officer; and Ms Yvonne Wylde, head of standards, technical.

I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction. We do not have witnesses attending remotely. 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 Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The opening statements that have been submitted to the committee will be published on the Oireachtas website after this meeting.

For the opening statements, we will first go to Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh on behalf of the Department, then to Mr. Kelly on behalf of the CCMA and then Ms Larkin on behalf of the NSAI.