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

We will resume in public session. The topic we are discussing today is the impact on small rural Gaeltacht schools of recent changes in the pupil-teacher ratio. I welcome the representatives of Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta who will make a presentation to the committee on this important matter of ongoing concern. Their spokespersons today are Ms Treasa Ní Mhainín and Ms Anna Ní Chartúir. I also welcome the officials from the Department of Education and Skills who will advise us further on this issue. We are joined by Mr. Hubert Loftus, who is a principal officer in the schools division; Ms Josephine O'Connor, who is an assistant principal officer in the schools division; and Ms Treasa Kirk, who is a primary division inspector.

I wish to draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect 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. I wish to advise the witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted to this committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice I have just outlined. I invite Ms Treasa Ní Mhainín to make her opening remarks on behalf of Eagraíocht na Scoileanna Gaeltachta. I remind members that an English-language interpretation of this presentation is available.