Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I would like to welcome Mr. Bernard Joyce, director of the Irish Traveller Movement, Ms Tracey Reilly, Pavee Point, and Ms Maria Joyce, co-ordinator of the National Traveller Women's Forum. The witnesses are here today to discuss Traveller education with reference to inequality, the digital divide and the impact of reduced timetables. Before we begin, on behalf of the committee I would like to congratulate Ms Reilly on being awarded a first class honours degree in community and youth work with Maynooth University. This is an outstanding achievement in its own right and makes her an important role model for Traveller children and other Traveller learners. It demonstrates that, given the opportunity, Travellers can excel in third level education.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. Joyce to make an opening statement, followed by Ms Reilly and Ms Joyce. The statements will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has a six minute slot, and that will allow the member to ask the questions and the witnesses to respond within that six minute slot. The committee will publish the opening statement 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 Houses of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. As the witnesses are giving evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts, as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does and they have been advised of this by the clerk.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I ask Mr. Joyce to make his opening statement, followed by the other witnesses. They have four minutes each.