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

I thank the witnesses for their presentation, which forms part of the committee's consideration of digital literacy and online learning. Professor Brian MacCraith from DCU was invited but was already scheduled to be out of the country. We have met witnesses from the public and private sectors and the committee is not endorsing the companies that have appeared. At the same time, they are part of the picture, and it is important to look at it.

I welcome the witnesses from Schoolbag to discuss their experience in using technology in schools. I welcome Mr. Con McMahon, director, and Mr. Philip O'Callaghan, financial director. 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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.