Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome on behalf of the joint committee Mr. Michael Horgan, the chairperson designate of the Higher Education Authority. Mr. Horgan is with us today to discuss the approach he intends to take if and when appointed to the role and his views on the challenges currently facing the HEA, of which there are many. The joint committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate in public session to hear his views.

I draw the attention of the witness 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. Any submission or opening statement provided 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.

I ask Mr. Horgan to make his opening statement.