Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are joined by representatives from Plan International Ireland, Misean Cara, Concern and ActionAid Ireland. They are here to brief the committee on the measures in place to increase the number of girls gaining access to quality education, particularly in developing countries. The format of the meeting is that we will hear their opening statements before engaging in a question-and-answer session.

I remind members and those in the Public Gallery that their mobile telephones should be switched off or placed in aeroplane mode for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference, even if in silent mode, with the recording equipment in committee rooms. I also remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I welcome Mr. Paul O'Brien, chief executive officer, CEO, of Plan International Ireland, Ms Bridget Tunney of the Loreto Sisters, a member of Misean Cara, Ms Anne O'Mahoney, head of international programmes, Concern, and Ms Triona Pender, head of programmes, ActionAid Ireland. Mr. O'Brien will begin and we will watch a short video after his opening statement.