The purpose of this meeting is consideration by the committee of Committee Stage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016. Before we commence our consideration of the Bill, I propose to deal with some housekeeping matters. To ensure the smooth running of the meeting, any member acting in substitution for a member of the committee should formally notify the Clerk, if they have not already done so. It is proposed that Deputy Pat Casey may act as temporary chairperson during the committee's consideration of the Bill. Is that agreed? Agreed.
It is intended that the committee will conclude its consideration of Committee Stage of the Bill. Is that agreed? Agreed. I propose that after approximately two hours the committee will break for five or ten minutes. Is that agreed? Agreed. It is further proposed that this session will conclude at approximately 12 p.m. and that if the committee has not concluded its deliberations on the Bill at that time it will resume at 5 p.m. Is that agreed? Agreed.
I welcome the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, and his officials to the meeting. Before we begin, I ask members to ensure that their mobile phones are off or put on aeroplane mode for the duration of the meeting as otherwise they will cause interference with the broadcasting equipment. A list of the grouped amendments has been circulated.