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

Everybody is in situ. This part of the meeting involves a discussion on the possible impact of Brexit on the Irish educational system. We will have the opportunity to listen to the views of stakeholders in this very important area. I took the opportunity over the weekend to look at statistics regarding Irish students abroad. In 2016, 12,000 Irish students studied in the UK while 2,000 studied in Northern Ireland. They are studying different subjects in the UK and Northern Ireland for different reasons but if 14,000 students suddenly decided that they were going to study in the Republic of Ireland, it would have significant implications for capacity here. We are all very familiar with the various arguments relating to the Cassells report and the need for further funding in the third-level sector. If the 1,500 Irish students abroad who receive SUSI grants could not receive these grants because of the UK being outside the EU, this issue, combined with that of the other 12,500 students involved, could have huge implications. Aside from the impact on our institutions and students, the area of research and collaboration between us, the UK and Northern Ireland is another issue.

We are delighted to have a number of witnesses here, all of whom are welcome. I thank them for their patience in waiting outside. I welcome Dr. Graham Love, chief executive of the Higher Education Authority, HEA. I understand that he has been in this position for a week so I wish him the very best of luck. I also welcome Dr. Gemma Irvine, head of policy and strategic planning at the HEA; Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, chairperson of the Irish Research Council; Professor Brian MacCraith, president of Dublin City University, DCU - who was with us previously; and Mr. John McGrane, director general, and Mr. Paul Lynam, head of sectoral policy, from the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. It is important to look at other sectors outside education. Finally, I welcome Mr. Ned Costello, CEO of the Irish Universities Association; Mr. Jeremy Godfrey, board chairman, and Mr. Vincent McCarthy, chair and board member, from the International School of Dublin - an institution on which there could be a significant impact; and Ms Triona McCormack, director of research at UCD Research and Innovation. I thank the witnesses for their submissions and opening statements. I advise witnesses that these will be published on our website following the meeting. While we are very happy to receive the submissions, all of which the members have had an opportunity to read, I suggest that witnesses do not have to stick to the submissions but can instead give shortened versions. Members will then have the opportunity to ask questions.

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. 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 invite Professor MacCraith to make his opening statement.