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

We are now in public session. I welcome our guests.

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. Opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, all of those present are asked to ensure that their mobile phones are turned off completely or placed in safe or flight mode for the duration of the meeting.

Today, we are looking at the issue of the quality of teaching in higher level education. Ireland's higher education system has played a major role in the development of Irish society and the economy and will continue to do so as we seek to build an innovative, knowledge-based economy which provides sustainable employment opportunities and good standards of living for our citizens as well as a broad education. We are aware of the pressure that has been on third level institutions in recent years to accommodate an increasing number of students at a time of scarce resources. In view of these considerations, the issue of quality of teaching in third level institutions is very important and always has been. To brief us on this matter, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Jen Harvey, head of learning at the Dublin Institute of Technology, Professor Mary Gallagher, school of languages and literature, UCD, and Dr. Greg Foley, school of biotechnology, Dublin City University. This meeting has been sought by Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell for a long time. In fact, since the committee was established, she has been highlighting the issue and asking us to have a meeting on it. We are glad to finally get around to her request. To get our discussion under way, I invite Dr. Harvey to make her presentation.