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

I thank Dr. Doris and Mr. Cassels for coming here today. We have learned a lot from their insights and observations, and it has been a very informative and productive session. A lot of research went into producing the report. It is important that the committee has an open and considered debate on the challenges involved. We know we cannot allow thestatus quoto continue; that is not an option.

Ultimately, bold decisions and decisive action need to be taken and we will play our part by drafting recommendations and presenting them to the Minister. We will have further meetings, and we have further stakeholders to meet, before we get to that point. I thank the witnesses and we will be back in touch with Mr. Cassells in regard to his offer to meet informally to gain a greater understanding of the mechanics of the system, so that every student has the opportunity to reach his or her potential within our third level system and that we have a first-class system that suits all our needs and supports students in promoting their own mental health and transversal skills.

I welcome the next set of witnesses and thank them for their patience. We will now have a discussion with practising academics and researchers on their insights and perspectives on the Cassells report. I welcome Professor Michael Gilchrist, school of mechanical and materials engineering, UCD; Professor John Boland, dean of research, Trinity College Dublin; Professor Patrick Lonergan, professor of drama and theatre studies, NUI Galway; Dr. Caroline McMullan, associate dean for teaching and learning, DCU business school; Professor Aislinn O'Donnell, co-ordinator of structured PhD and MLitt programmes, department of education, NUI Maynooth; Dr. Michele O'Dwyer, associate dean, Kemmy business school, University of Limerick; and Dr. Niamh Hourigan, senior lecturer, University College Cork.

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. Members are reminded of the same issues.

I also advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. I call on Professor Gilchrist, to be followed by other witnesses in the order in which they are seated. I ask them to confine their statements to three minutes so that members can ask questions.