Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Byrne, The purpose of this session is to consider the motion that Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann approve the Employment Equality Act 1998 (section 12) (Reservation of Vocational Training Places) Order 2022. The format of the meeting is I will invite the Minister of State to make a brief opening statement and then members may ask questions. As the Minister of State will probably be aware, the committee will publish his opening statement on the website following this meeting.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official, either by name or by making him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement.