Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our next business is public petition No. P00049/23, Extra Time to be introduced as a Reasonable Accommodation for Dyslexic Students in State Examinations (Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate), from the Dyslexia Association Ireland. We are meeting with representatives of the State Examinations Commission and the Department of Education in regard to public petition No. P00049/23.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. They 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 to 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 regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf the committee, I extend a warm welcome to the official from Department of Education, Ms Celeste O’Callaghan, principal officer, curriculum and assessment policy; and to the representatives from the State Examinations Commissions, Ms Andrea Feeney, chief executive officer; and Mr. Richard Dolan, director of operations. I suggest our witnesses make their opening statements for around five to ten minutes each. When all the witnesses have made their opening statements, we will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will get ten minutes and they should be able to come back in for a second round of questions.

I call on Ms O’Callaghan from the Department of Education to make her opening statement.