Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Andrew Geary, who is here to discuss the educational needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We agreed earlier today that we would have another session in the coming months to which we would invite organisations and stakeholders on the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Today, we are discussing the needs in regard to STEM for our report. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. Geary to make a brief opening statement and this will be followed by questions from members. Each member has a five-minute slot to ask questions and to include witnesses' responses. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. 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. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I invite Mr. Geary to make his opening statement.