Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the Visitors Gallery to, please, ensure their mobile phones are switched off or left in flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when left in silent mode. I have been informed that there has been interference already today with the broadcasting equipment. I, therefore, ask everyone to, please, comply with this request.

I welcome from the Teachers Union of Ireland Ms Annette Dolan, deputy general secretary, and Mr. Colm Kelly, assistant general secretary, and from the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland Mr. Ed Byrne, president, and Mr. Diarmuid de Paor, deputy general secretary.

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. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind delegates that their presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration. The presentations submitted have been circulated to members.