Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode because they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web-streaming can also be adversely affected.

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to have an engagement with a number of stakeholders on the uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Jim Murray, director of academic affairs and deputy CEO of the Technological Higher Education Association, THEA, Mr. Brendan McGinty, chairperson of Skillnet Ireland, Dr. Mary-Liz Trant, executive director of SOLAS and Mr. Phil O'Flaherty, principal officer, further education and training section of the Department of Education and Skills.

I will invite witnesses to make a brief opening statement, a maximum of three minutes each, which will be followed by engagement with members of the committee.

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 Chairman 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.

Any opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee 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.

I call on Dr. Jim Murray to make his opening statement.