Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The minutes of our previous meeting are agreed. On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Dr. Padraig Walsh, chief executive, Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI; Ms Ginny Hanrahan, chief executive and registrar of CORU; Professor Orla Sheils, vice-provost and chief academic officer of Trinity College Dublin, representing the Irish Universities Association, IUA; Ms Mary McHugh, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, TUS, representing Technological Higher Education Association, THEA; and Ms Patricia O'Sullivan, executive director of the Higher Education Colleges Association, HECA. The witnesses are here to discuss the professional accreditation of higher education courses, with specific reference to health and social care professions. This matter was highlighted in the media some time ago. The Central Applications Office was invited to attend but declined without giving a reason. The Higher Education Authority also declined to attend. It contacted the clerk and explained that it has no role in accreditation. The authority followed this up in writing.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite the witness to make a brief opening statement. Dr. Walsh will be first. He will be followed by Ms Hanrahan, Professor Sheils, Ms McHugh and Ms O’Sullivan. Each of the witnesses will have a five-minute slot. As they are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements 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 any person or entity inside or outside of the Houses. 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 ask Dr. Walsh to make his opening statement and to confine himself to five minutes in doing so. The opening statements will be followed by questions from the members. Each member will have a five-minute slot in which to ask questions of and take responses from the witnesses