Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are joined by Ms Marian Duggan, vice president of academic affairs and registrar, as well as vice president for equality, diversity and inclusion, at the Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest; Mr. Tim Horgan, head of the faculty of engineering and science at the Munster Technological University; Dr. Aedín Doris of the department of economics at Maynooth University; Professor Mark Rogers, registrar and vice president for academic affairs at University College Dublin; and Ms Bríd Horan, chair of the DCU governing authority.

The witnesses are here to discuss future funding for higher education. The form of the meeting is I will ask Ms Duggan to make a brief opening statement, to be followed by Mr. Horgan, Dr. Doris, Professor Rogers and, finally, Ms Horan. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee, with each member having an eight-minute slot for the question to be asked and for witnesses to respond. There are timers on the screen so the witnesses and members might keep a close eye on them.

As witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish opening statements on the website following today's meeting. Before beginning 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, her or it identifiable.

I also remind witnesses 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 a person or entity. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be requested by the Chair to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with such a direction from the Chair. I know none of the witnesses will go beyond saying what they have come here for.