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

The subject of our discussion today is apprenticeship training. Last week, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, published an apprenticeship implementation plan. This involves, among other things, the establishment of a new apprenticeship council to oversee the development of this area of training and on-the-job experience. This follows on from a review of apprenticeships in Ireland. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Phil O'Flaherty, Mr. Keith Moynes, Mr. Denis Rowan and Mr. Chris Feeney from the Department of Education and Skills to discuss this issue. From IBEC, I welcome Mr. Tony Donohoe and Mr. Dermot Doherty and I welcome Dr. Peter Rigney from ICTU. I ask our guests to either turn off their mobile phones completely or put them in flight mode.
I wish to draw witnesses 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise them that the opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect I have just outlined.