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

I welcome the officials from the Department of Education and Skills. I draw to their attention 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 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 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 they 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 an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Their opening statement 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 or her identifiable.

I remind members, visitors and those in the gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off completely or switched to flight mode.

Today we are looking at the general scheme of the retention of records Bill 2015. On 9 March, the Minister for Education and Skills referred to the committee the general scheme of this Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. Submissions on the general scheme were sought and seven were received. At its meeting on 1 April, the joint committee decided to invite the Department of Education and Skills to today's meeting to assist us in our consideration of the matter. I welcome from the Department Mr. Dermot Mulligan, Ms Mary McGarry and Mr. Aongus Ó hAonghusa. I now invite Mr. Mulligan to make his presentation.