Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Michael Redmond, director of research and development at the Joint Managerial Body, JMB; Mr. Paul Crone, director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, NAPD; Ms Eileen O'Rourke, general secretary of the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, NABMSE; Mr. Pat McKelvey, director of schools at Education and Training Boards Ireland, ETBI; and Ms Áine O'Sullivan, assistant general secretary of the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools, ACCS. Ms O'Rourke will be attending virtually.

Our witnesses are attending to assist the committee with our scrutiny of the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2020. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Dr. Redmond to make a brief opening statement, followed by Mr. Crone, Ms O'Rourke, Mr. McKelvey and finally Ms O'Sullivan. Their statements will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has an eight-minute slot to ask questions and receive answers. I will call people to a halt after eight minutes or thereabouts. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish their opening statements on its website following the meeting.

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 such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Since Ms O'Rourke is giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts, she may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does. She has already been advised of this.

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

I invite Dr. Redmond to make a brief opening statement. I ask witnesses to stick to three minutes each.