Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Foley, the Minister of State with special responsibility for special needs and inclusion, Deputy Madigan, and the officials from the Department. The Minister and the Minister of State may call on their officials to speak briefly for clarification during the meeting where a specific or technical point arises. The officials can clarify issues for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister or the Minister of State because they are the accountable persons before the committee. I am aware that a wide range of issues will be the subject of discussion today. If necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues raised can be sent to the clerk of the committee for circulation to members. The committee and I want to assist the witnesses in every possible way to ensure that this meeting is beneficial for members and witnesses and that we have a good and productive session.

I ask officials to note that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their presentations to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure that this privilege is not abused. If their statements, therefore, are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I now ask the witnesses to brief the committee on the key priorities of the Department, specifically regarding: the effect of Covid-19 on special needs provision; educational disadvantage; classroom sizes and current pupil-teacher ratios; children and mental health; the 2020 leaving certificate calculated grades and the 2021 leaving certificate preparations; digital learning; ensuring that schools are open in a safe and sustainable way and the circumstances around the recall of hand sanitising products from some schools. The format of the meeting will be that I will invite the witnesses to make brief opening statements, which will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member will have six minutes and that will include the reply from the Minister, the Minister of State or both. I will cut off contributions after six minutes, and I ask that any further information then be forwarded to the clerk of the committee. As the witnesses will probably be aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following today's meeting.

Before we begin, I remind 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. The meeting will conclude at 3.35 p.m.

I ask the other witnesses to turn on their cameras now and ensure that they are available so that the members will know who they are. I call on the Minister to make her opening statement

I invite the Minister, Deputy Foley, to make her opening statement.