Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all in attendance to ensure 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 witnesses 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 they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary 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.

Before we proceed to our engagement with the witnesses, I note that Deputy Maeve O’Connell was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach of this committee at its most recent private meeting. I congratulate Deputy O’Connell on her appointment and wish her the best of luck in the role.

On the agenda for today’s meeting is a review of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 with the following witnesses. Representing SOLAS, we have before us Mr. Andrew Brownlee, chief executive officer, and Dr. Mary-Liz Trant, director of the national apprenticeship office. From Education and Training Boards Ireland, ETBI, the following representatives are before the committee: Dr. Joseph Collins, director of further education and training; Mr. Tom Grady, chief executive of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board; and Ms Caitríona Murphy, chief executive of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. The witnesses are all very welcome to today’s meeting.

I will now allow both groups five minutes each to read their respective opening statements, after which we will proceed to the questions and answers session. Mr. Brownlee of SOLAS will go first.