Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Nolan and Ó Laoghaire. Deputy Ó Laoghaire and Senator O'Loughlin are being substituted respectively by Deputy Ó Snodaigh and Senator Clifford-Lee. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed. I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. Are the minutes of the meeting of 16 November 2021 agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Pádraig Ó Beaglaioch, oifigeach oideachais iar-bhunscoile, an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta; Fíona Uí Uiginn, Gaeloideachas; Julian de Spáinn, ard-runaí, Conradh na Gaeilge; Sorcha Ní Chéilleachair, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta; agus Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, ard-runaí, an Foras Pátrúnachta. Our witnesses are here today to discuss leaving certificate reform, with reference to the Irish language and Irish-medium education. I will invite Pádraig Ó Beaglaioch to make a brief opening statement, followed by Fíona Uí Uiginn, Julian de Spáinn, Sorcha Ní Chéilleachair and, finally, Caoimhín Ó hEaghra. This will be followed by questions by the committee members. Each member has an eight-minute slot to ask the questions and for the witnesses to respond. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting.

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

A translation into English is provided for members who want it. I call Pádraig Ó Beaglaoich, followed by the rest of the speakers. They have four minutes each. I ask the witnesses to watch the clock because we are on time limits due to Covid. I ask them, therefore, to stick within the four minutes.