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

In July 2014, the Minister for Education and Skills established an expert group to examine future funding policy for higher education. The group was charged with identifying and considering issues relating to the long-term sustainable funding of higher education in this country, and to identify options for change for consideration by the Minister for Education and Skills. It has had consultations with relevant stakeholders and interested parties during the course of its work. The purpose of the meeting is for members of the group to brief us on their work.

First, I must advise on privilege. I draw the attention of witnesses 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 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, 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 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 ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones completely or put them on safe mode or flight mode. Otherwise, they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. Mr. Peter Cassells is accompanied by Ms Laura Casey and Ms Mary Armstrong. I invite him to make his presentation.