Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Are the minutes of 10 April agreed? Agreed.

I welcome, from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr. Joseph Moore, principal officer, and Ms Mary Twomey, assistant principal. The officials are here to brief the committee on COM (2024) 27. I will invite Mr. Moore to give a brief opening statement of three minutes. This will be followed by questions from members. Each member will have a two-minute slot to ask questions and for the witnesses to respond. The committee will publish the opening statement on its website after the meeting.

I remind members 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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The officials are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise, make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I invite Mr. Moore to make his opening statement.