Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I would like everyone please to turn off their mobile telephones because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.
I wish to advise the witnesses 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 the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice 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, her or it identifiable. The opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.
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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
Today's topic is leadership in schools, including support for existing and aspiring principals and deputy principals and the role of middle management in schools. We know the role of principals and deputy principals has changed greatly over the years, that it is one of a number of variables that affect school performance and there are many new demands on principals arising from new legislation, and so on.
I am pleased to welcome today Mr. Seán Cottrell and Mr. Brendan McCabe representing the Irish Primary Principals Network; Mr. Clive Byrne and Ms Mary Nihill, of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, NAPD; and Mr. Eddie Ward, Mr. Alfie Barrett and Ms Deirdre Matthews representing the Department of Education and Skills.
To get our discussion under way I now invite Mr. Cottrell to make his presentation. I would like witnesses, as much as possible, to keep their presentations to between five and seven minutes to allow enough time for questions and answers.