Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I welcome: Mr. Frank Jones, general secretary of the Irish Federation of University Teachers, IFUT; Máirín Ní Chéileachair, head of education and research and assistant general secretary of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, INTO; Ms Moira Leydon, assistant general secretary, education and research, from the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, ASTI; Ms Caitlin Faye Maniti, president of the Irish Second-Level Students' Union, ISSU; Ms Beth O'Reilly, Union of Students in Ireland, USI; and Mr. David Duffy, education and research officer with the Teachers' Union of Ireland, TUI. The witnesses are here to discuss the future of STEM subjects in Irish education. Mr. Jones of the IFUT is also representing SIPTU, which was invited. Fórsa was also invited but declined the invitation on this occasion. I would also like to welcome Ms Maeve Richardson of the ISSU who is in the Public Gallery.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement in the following order: Mr. Jones; Máirín Ní Chéileachair; Ms Leydon; Ms Faye Maniti; Ms O'Reilly; and Mr. Duffy. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As members are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following today's meeting.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not make criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity you will be directed by the Chair to discontinue your remarks and it is imperative that you comply with such directions.