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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Peter Cassells, the report chair, and Dr. Aedin Doris, the report researcher. We will now have a discussion on the findings of Investing in National Ambition: a Strategy for Funding Higher Education. This is the report of the expert group on future funding for higher education.

I wish to record the committee's thanks to Mr. Cassells and other members of the group as well as to the secretariat for the invaluable work they have done on the report as well as the extensive process of research, evidence gathering and consultation. That has all been distilled into this report which has sparked much comment since its publication. We certainly owe Mr. Cassells and his team a great debt for the work they have done.

I wish to 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.

I also wish to advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should 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 call on Mr. Cassells to make his opening statement. He will be followed by Dr. Doris. Members may then ask questions, as we agreed earlier.