Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children; Ms Áine Lynch, CEO of the National Parents Council Primary; Ms Mai Fanning, president of the National Parents Council Post Primary; Dr. David Doyle, associate professor of law, Maynooth University; and Ms Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission was invited today but cannot attend due to another commitment. It sent in a written submission which has been circulated to all members and it will be considered as part of our committee deliberations.

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. Muldoon to make a brief opening statement, followed by Ms Lynch, Dr. Doyle and finally Ms Connolly. 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. 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.

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.

I invite Dr. Muldoon to make his opening statement, followed by the other witnesses as outlined. They each have three minutes.