Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Emer Smyth, research professor with the social research division at the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, and Growing Up in Ireland, Dr. Ruth Freeman, director of science for society at Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, Ms Meadhbh Costello, social policy executive at IBEC, Mr. Neil McDonnell, chief executive of Irish Small and Medium Employers, ISME, and Mr. Tony Donohoe, chairperson of the expert group on future skills needs, EGFSN. Our witnesses are here to discuss leaving certificate reform. I very much thank them for participating in our meeting.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite Dr. Smyth to make a brief opening statement for four minutes, followed by Dr. Freeman, Ms Costello, Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Donohoe. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has an eight-minute slot, which includes time for the member to ask a question and the witness to respond. I know it is quite difficult to work remotely so I ask people, specifically witnesses, to raise their physical hands as I can see that better on screen than the icon button. I will then call them in. If at all possible, I ask members to direct their questions to a specific witness. If an alternative witness wants to add to an answer, I ask them to raise a hand. As witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish opening statements on the website following the meeting.

I remind members that they have to be inside Leinster House to participate in the meeting and also 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 a way that will make him or her identifiable. They are also 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 identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. That goes for the witnesses as well.

Witnesses who are giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts may not benefit from the same level of parliamentary immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. They have already been advised of this issue. I now call on Dr. Smyth to make her opening statement. If at all possible, I ask the witnesses to confine themselves to four minutes.