Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Seán Canney. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Simon Harris, and Mr. Enda Hughes and Mr. Aongus McGrane from the equality, diversity and inclusion unit at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. I remind members that they are allowed to participate in the public meeting only when they are physically located within the Leinster House complex. In this regard, if members are joining remotely, can they please confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House prior to contributing to the meeting. For anyone watching this meeting online, I ask them to bear with us should any technical issues arise. Before we commence formal proceedings, witnesses are directed to give evidence only in connection to the subject matter and if asked to stop giving evidence, to please accept the direction of the Chair and where possible do not make any charges or criticisms against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way to make them identifiable. Members are advised of that long-standing parliamentary practice as well. Without further ado, I call on the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, to give his opening statement.