Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Paula Butterly. Senator Chris Andrews will stand in for Senator Maria McCormack.

I take this opportunity to welcome transition year students from a number of schools in Longford who have been visiting the Oireachtas today to see what happens behind the scenes here. I welcome the students from Moyne Community School, Ardscoil Phadraig, Cnoc Mhuire in Granard, St. Mel's College in Longford, Meán Scoil Mhuire in Longford, Mercy Ballymahon and Lanesborough Community College. They are very welcome. I hope they got a good behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the Oireachtas. The committee comprises members from all parties, including Government, Opposition and Independent. It is at meetings like this that thrash out the issues of the day. I hope the students enjoyed their day.

Members are advised of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically president within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in meetings.

Multiple-unit developments are developments of at least five residential units that share facilities, amenities and services and have an owners' management company, OMC. The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 regulates how the common areas of such developments are owned and managed. I am pleased that we have an opportunity today to consider this and other related matters with representatives from the Apartment Owners Network, the Multi-Unit Developments Act, MUD, Reform Group and the Construction Defects Alliance. I welcome: Mr. Pat Montague, co-ordinator of the MUD Reform Group and the Construction Defects Alliance; Mr. Sam Doran, chair of the OMC in Park West, Dublin 12 and the Not Our Fault campaign; and Mr. Brian Lambe, senior OMC manager with Clúid Housing and a member of the OMC board in Dublin's Clarion Quay.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to one another in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in any such way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. Is it in order that we take them as read in order to maximise the time for members? We will publish the opening statements on our website. Is that agreed? Agreed. The speaking rota has been circulated to members. Deputy McGrath has six minutes.