Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are beginning the public session a little earlier than anticipated because we got through our private business very efficiently.

I remind all members that they have the option of being physically present in the committee room or may join the meeting via Microsoft Teams from their Leinster House offices, but that they may not participate from outside the parliamentary precincts. If joining on Microsoft Teams, I ask that they mute their microphones when not making a contribution and that they use the raised hand function to indicate. I ask them to note that, in order to limit the risk of spreading Covid, the service encourages all Members, visitors and witnesses to continue to wear face masks when moving around the campus or when in close proximity to others and to adhere to public health advice.

Today's public meeting will be in two sessions. In the first session we will have an engagement with representatives of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, on the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality relating to norms and stereotypes in education, that is, recommendations 26 to 31, inclusive. In the second session we will meet with Professor Angela O'Hagan to discuss recommendations relating to gender equality principles in law and policy, namely, recommendations 42 to 45, inclusive.

I warmly welcome the representatives from the NCCA, who are joining us in person: Dr. Jacqueline Fallon, director of curriculum and assessment; Dr. Patrick Sullivan, deputy CEO for early childhood and primary education; Ms Annette Honan, education officer; and Mr. Barry Slattery, deputy CEO for post-primary education. They are all very welcome. We really appreciate their giving their time to be here with us. I know that Members are very keen to hear from the NCCA. We have already held a number of hearings on norms and stereotypes in education with other stakeholders, but we are really grateful that the witnesses before us are able to join us. The committee has taken the view that our job and our role is to see how best to implement the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality. As a result, we are looking at the practical means of implementation of the recommendations made rather than the substantive questions behind them because we endorse the recommendations. We are grateful to stakeholders for engaging with us on that practical aspect.

I will read out an important notice on parliamentary privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I now call on Dr. Patrick Sullivan to make the opening statement on behalf of the NCCA before I open the floor to Members for questions and answers.