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

I ask all those present to switch off their mobile telephones or set them to the safe or flight mode. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss special needs provision in second level education. The joint committee is examining the wider area of special needs in education and will publish a report on the matter, for which Senator Mary Moran has been appointed rapporteur. I welcome, from the Special Needs Parents' Association, SNPA, Ms Lorraine Dempsey and Ms Teresa Maher; from the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, NAPD, Mr. Clive Byrne and Mr. Paul Byrne; and from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, Ms Mary Byrne and Mr. Sé Goulding.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they 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 or ruling of the Chair to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

It has been decided for a number of reasons to take as read the presentations provided. The opening statements will be published on the joint committee's website after the meeting. We will proceed immediately to questions and witnesses may refer to parts of their presentations if they consider them relevant.