Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this session is to discuss with representatives of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, ASTI, the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, and the National Parents Council Primary how we can sustain viable rural communities. From the ASTI I welcome Mr. Kieran Christie, general secretary, Mr. Ed Byrne, president, and Ms Moira Leydon, assistant secretary general. From the INTO I welcome Mr. John Boyle, president, and Ms Deirdre O'Connor, assistant general secretary. From the National Parents Council Primary I welcome Ms Áine Lynch, chief executive officer. I thank them for their attendance. Representatives of the National Parents Council Post Primary were also invited to attend but were unable to do so.

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. I advise the witnesses that their opening statements and any documents they have submitted to the committee will be published on our 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.

We will now continue with our consideration of the elements that are required for sustaining rural communities. We have already considered various aspects, including employment, emergency services, local services and quality of life. We will now consider stream 6, which is concerned with location, staffing and pupil-teacher ratios in rural and island schools, including facilities providing transport thereto. I call the representatives of the ASTI to address the committee.