Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The agenda for today's meeting includes a discussion with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris. We are looking at the mutual recognition of education qualifications between the UK and Ireland, third level supports available for Irish students in the UK, students from Northern Ireland availing of third level opportunities in the Republic of Ireland, and access to the Erasmus programme for students in Northern Ireland.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment or make charges against a person outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members to confirm they are indeed on the Leinster House complex prior to making their first contribution. We will hear questions from members once the Minister has given his initial opening statement. I call the Minister to make his opening statement to the committee and thank him for his time this afternoon.