Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In this session we will examine the Comptroller and Auditor General's special report No. 103 on the handling of remuneration for certain senior staff in the University of Limerick and Institute of Technology Sligo. We have also requested an update on the implementation of Dr. Thorn's Independent Review of Certain Matters and Allegations Relating to the University of Limerick. In the afternoon session we will examine the Comptroller and Auditor General's special report No. 104 on Waterford Institute of Technology regarding the development and disposal of intellectual property in FeedHenry.

We are joined from the Department of Education and Skills by Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General, Ms Deirdre McDonnell, Mr. William Beausang, Ms Tara Carton, Mr. Tony Gaynor and Ms Stephanie Goode; from the Higher Education Authority by Mr. Paul O'Toole, chief executive officer, Ms Mary Farrelly and Ms Orla Christle; from the University of Limerick by Professor Desmond Fitzgerald, president, Mr. Gerry O'Brien, deputy president; and from the Institute of Technology Sligo by Dr. Brendan McCormack, president.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off or set to airplane mode. Merely putting phones on silent mode may interfere with the recording system. Therefore, I ask that they be set to airplane mode.

I wish to advise the witnesses 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 this committee. 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.

Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

While we expect witnesses to answer questions put to them clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol. We will take the Comptroller and Auditor General's opening statement first.