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

The subject of this meeting is studying at university through online learning, including massive open online courses, MOOCs. I draw to the attention of the witnesses 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on its 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Witnesses should turn off their mobile phones completely or switch them to flight or safe mode, as otherwise they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.
Third level education is facing a number of substantial challenges in all states, including the curtailment of public financial resources for the sector, pressure to accommodate an increased number of students and the need for greater specialisation in an increased range of rapidly changing disciplines. This committee has been investigating what can be done in education at all levels through the Internet and digital literacy. This meeting is part of our ongoing discussion on these topics. We are very interested in the emergence of massive open online courses, MOOCs, and we are aware of new developments in this regard by the three colleges whose representatives are appearing before us. For this reason, I welcome Professor Brian MacCraith, president of Dublin City University, Professor Mark Brown, director of the National Institute for Digital Learning, Mr. John D'Arcy, national director of the Open University, Professor Timothy Savage, associate dean for online education at Trinity College Dublin, and Mr. John Coman, secretary to that college. This meeting was originally scheduled for next week but we had to reschedule it as we are required to consider an Estimate next week. I appreciate that the witnesses were able to attend at short notice.
I invite Professor Mark Brown to make his opening presentation on behalf of DCU.