Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will meet with relevant academics from the NHS child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, and education authority, Dorset, United Kingdom; the Irish Universities Association, IUA; the Technological Higher Education Association, THEA and the Higher Education Colleges Association, HECA. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following to the first session: Professor Paul Downes, professor of psychology and education and director of the Dublin City University, DCU, Educational Disadvantage Centre; Dr. Siobhán O'Reilly, postdoctoral researcher, DCU National Anti-Bullying Centre; and Ms Sarah Stockham, clinical lead of the Dorset mental health support team, Dorset healthcare university NHS trust.

The witnesses are here today to discuss mental health supports in schools and tertiary education. I will invite Mr. Downes to make a brief opening statement followed by Dr. O'Reilly and Ms Stockham. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has a five-minute slot. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following today's meeting.

Before we begin, 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The witnesses are reminded 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, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Ms Stockham will give evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts and in such a way, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. You have already been advised of this matter. As a witness participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside of the State, you will already have been advised that you should also be mindful of the domestic law on how it may apply to the evidence you give.

Members are again reminded 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, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory, I will ask them to discontinue.

Professor Downes will begin, followed by Dr. O'Reilly and Ms Stockham. Each of you have five minutes.