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

For the second part of this meeting we have representatives of the Union of Students in Ireland. They are here to discuss proposals for the reform of the student grant system for third level education.

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 you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We have discussed the student grant system on a number of occasions. Representatives of SUSI have appeared before the committee a few times. Today representatives of the Union of Students in Ireland will give their proposals for reform of the grant system. I am pleased to welcome Ms Annie Hoey and Mr. Conor Stitt. I invite Ms Hoey to make her presentation.