Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This session will focus on education and the return to school, including school transport. Witnesses are joining us from committee room 1. I welcome from the National Parents Council Post Primary, NPCPP, Ms Mai Fanning, president, and Mr. Paul Rolston, communications director, and from the National Parents Council Primary, NPCP, Ms Áine Lynch, CEO, and Ms Catherine Cross, services manager.

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 the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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. While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should be expected to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol.

I invite Ms Fanning to make her opening remarks. I ask that she limit them to five minutes as her opening statement has been circulated in advance and we wish to leave enough time for questions and answers.