The programme for Government contains a commitment to regulate the vehicle clamping industry and this committee has a unique opportunity to participate and contribute at a very early stage in the legislative process to shape the final heads of the Bill. We will meet a number of stakeholders in the next three weeks and following our deliberations we will make a report to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, with recommendations for legislation in the area.
Before commencing the meeting I thank the delegates for coming before the committee this afternoon. This is a new departure in how legislation is designed in the Houses. Previously, the Minister would draft the heads of the Bill, which would subsequently be published and enter Second Stage in the Dáil or Seanad. We are bringing the issue to the committee first for a broader discussion and the recommendations will go to the Department. Following on from the committee's examination of the subject, the minutes of the committee will go to the Department at which time the heads of the Bill will be designed. I thank the delegates for attending and assisting us in the initial stage of developing and exploring legislation in the area.
From the County and City Managers Association, CCMA, I welcome Mr. Michael Walsh, Waterford city manager and chairman of the CCMA land use and transportation committee, Mr. Michael Phillips, director of traffic and city engineer, Dublin City Council, and Mr. Brian Riddick, parking enforcement officer, Dublin City Council. I also welcome Mr. Dan Buggy, assistant city manager and Ms Lisa Horgan, senior staff officer, transportation and mobility division. Thank you very much for your attendance this afternoon.
I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2) (l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
Members 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 Houses, or any official either by name, or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Walsh to address the committee.