Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The discussion will be on recommendations contained in the joint committee's report entitled A Review of Information Communications Technology (ICT) Skills Demand in Ireland and on the skills mismatch between industry requirements and the courses provided by the third level sector. We had a useful meeting on this topic last week with all the third level sector representatives.

I welcome the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, and his officials and the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, and his officials. They are both welcome. I thank them for the giving of their time here today as I appreciate they have a busy schedule.

I will go through the short version of the privilege notice. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister, Deputy Bruton to make his opening remarks, followed by the Minister, Deputy Quinn, and members may ask questions thereafter.