Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I welcome everyone. Our committee is in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputy Aisling Dempsey and Senator Gareth Scahill.

I ask anyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so that we do not pick up any 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 the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, members are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this 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 members comply with any such direction. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses or an official of the Houses, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for today's meeting of the committee is an engagement with the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with responsibility for special education and inclusion, Deputy Michael Moynihan. The meeting relates to education for children with special educational needs. The Minister of State and his officials are very welcome. We look forward as a committee to working constructively with him. We will allow the Minister of State ten minutes to read his opening statement and will then proceed to members' questions.