Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Ruth Freeman, director of science for society, Science Foundation Ireland, SFI; Mr. Lee Reynolds, head of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Institute of Physics, IoP. Representatives of the Irish Research Council were also due to attend, but cannot do so due to other important business. The witnesses are here to discuss the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, in Irish education. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Dr. Freeman, followed by Mr. Reynolds, to make brief opening statements of five minutes. This will be followed by questions from the committee members. As the witnesses will probably be aware, their opening statements will be published on the Oireachtas website following today's meeting.

Before we begin, 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 or her identifiable or otherwise engage in any sort of hate speech. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by the Cathaoirleach to discontinue their remarks. I call Dr. Freeman.