Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Hugh Ahern to this session of the meeting. He is a second-year student in the Patrician Academy in County Cork and he is here to brief the committee on school bullying and its impact on mental health. This is a very important day for the committee as Mr. Ahern is the youngest witness ever to appear before it. It is testament to his great enthusiasm for and commitment to educational issues that the committee has chosen to end our examination of this important issue with Mr. Ahern as a voice for young people.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. Ahern to make his opening statement. I will then invite members to ask questions. Mr. Ahern will be aware that the committee will publish his opening statement following this meeting.

Before I begin, I remind the witness that he is giving evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts, and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. The witness has already been advised of this. I also remind the witness of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that he should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech which might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if his statements are potentially defamatory regarding an identifiable person or entity, he will be directed by the Chair to discontinue, and it is imperative he comply with this direction.

I call Mr. Ahern now to give his opening statement.