Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Inniu is é an tabhar a bheith le phlé againn, ná ag an coiste, na healaíona agus an oideachais. Today we will discuss the arts and education. I welcome all of the delegates. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is represented by Mr. John Hammon, CEO, and Ms Arlene Forster. The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals is represented by Mr. Dermot Carney and Ms Kay O'Brien. From Creative Ireland, from the section which deals with the arts in education charter, I welcome Ms Sinead Copeland, Dr. Katie Sweeney and Ms Leona deKhors. Encountering the Arts Ireland is represented by Ms Helen O’Donoghue from the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Ms Lorraine Comer from the National Museum of Ireland. The Arts Council is represented by Ms Seona Ní Bhriain and Ms Liz Meaney. Fáilte roimh isteach inniu agus míle buíochas as teacht isteach.

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 joint committee. However, if 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. I also advise them that their opening statements and other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on its 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Chun tús a chur leis an comhrá, tógann muid an National Council for Curriculum and Assessment chun a cur lathair a dheanamh.