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

Before beginning I draw the attention of all witnesses to the position in regard to privilege. 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 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. Witnesses 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 or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise witnesses that their opening statements will be published on the committee's website following the meeting.
Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask members, witnesses and people in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.
On the book rental scheme, in October 2013 the Minister for Education and Skills, as part of the budget, announced that a €15 million fund would be targeted specifically at primary schools that do not currently operate a book rental scheme. This gave rise to concerns that schools that had already taken the initiative to establish a book rental scheme would be disadvantaged.

In April the Minister announced that all primary schools that operated a school book rental scheme would benefit from the school book rental scheme fund announced. I am sure members and delegates are aware of the details in that regard.

The committee previously held hearings on back to school costs. The INTO had input into our report in that regard. I welcome from the INTO Mr. Sean McMahon, president, and Mr. Peter Mullan, assistant general secretary, and from the Department of Education and Skills Mr. Matt Ryan, principal officer. I invite Mr. McMahon to make the presentation on behalf of the INTO.