Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Tanya Kenny, principal officer, and Ms Fiona O'Byrne, principal officer, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The officials are here to brief the committee on the professional accreditation of higher education, HE, courses with specific reference to the health and social care professions.

The format of the meeting is that Ms O'Byrne will make a brief opening statement that lasts five minutes. This will be followed by questions by committee members and each of them will have a five-minute slot. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on the website following the meeting.

The officials 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 their 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 by the Chair.

Ms O'Byrne has five minutes.