Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and his officials to our first proper meeting of the committee. For anyone attending remotely, I ask that they mute their microphone when not contributing so we do not pick up background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind those in attendance to ensure that their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. As they are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of any of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty, as Cathaoirleach, to ensure that privilege is not abused. 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses, or an official of the Houses, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The agenda for today's meeting of the committee is an engagement with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy James Lawless, on his policy priorities. As I said, the Minister is welcome and we look forward to working constructively with him over the next couple of years. He has ten minutes to read his opening statement and we will then proceed to the question and answer session.