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

I welcome everyone. The first thing I must do is read the note on privilege. I draw your attention to the fact 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 this committee. However, if you are directed by the committee or myself, as committee Chairperson, to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. That includes corporations, Departments and so on. I emphasise that point and, as Chairperson, I would have to step in if people did not comply. I advise you that the opening statements you have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2013 is on the agenda today. In September last, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, published a draft general scheme for the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2013 as well as draft regulations for discussion ahead of enacting the legislation. Applying to all 4,000 primary and post-primary schools, the proposed regulations aim to underpin a fair, consistent and transparent enrolment process that would preclude school places from being allocated on the basis of waiting lists and prevent schools from seeking deposits or payment as part of the admissions process.
The draft general scheme and draft regulations were referred to the committee for consideration. The committee undertook a process of consultation on the general scheme resulting in a considerable number of submissions that are now under consideration. We received over 50 in total. We have already had two hearings to give groups an opportunity to present the key points of their submissions to the committee and to respond to whatever issues were raised by the members. The people we invited in specifically looked to come before the committee. It is unusual to have individuals before the committee although that is what we have today. The committee decided it would be good to include individuals and not only groups. All in all, when these sessions are complete we will have had approximately 25 groups or individuals in, a substantial number. The meeting today will consider the final hearings on the issue.
I welcome Sr. Marie Céline Clegg, Loreto Education Centre, Mr. John Suttle, Ms Derval Duggan, Mr. Noel P. Malone, Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, Limerick, Mr. Gabriel McCabe, Ms Eithne Read O'Doherty and Ms Eukaria O'Grady. The format of the meeting is that each witness will make an initial presentation, strictly no more than five minutes in duration. It is important that people do not simply read their submission. Rather, the committee is seeking an overview to allow sufficient time for questions and answers. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. To get proceedings under way I invite Ms Clegg to make her presentation.