Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the officials from Hibernia College to discuss with us their experience in delivering third level education online, particularly teacher training. I welcome Dr. Seán Rowland, president, Dr. Nicholas Breakwell, executive dean, and Ms Anna Davitt, head of Irish.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and that witness continues to so do, he or she 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 witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements the witnesses submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Seán Rowland to make his opening remarks.