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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to engage with Mr. Joe Hayes in advance of his appointment as chairperson of the National Council for Special Education. This is an opportunity for members of the committee to discuss with Mr. Hayes his vision, priorities and experience in the short to medium term and any challenges facing the council. On behalf of the committee I am very happy to welcome Mr. Hayes. The format of the meeting is that I will invite him to make a brief opening statement of approximately three minutes, which will be followed by engagement with members of the committee.

Before we begin, I draw Mr. Hayes's attention 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.

I advise members 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.