Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

Apologies have been received from Deputy Cathal Crowe and Senator Curley.

I welcome the witnesses. I ask everyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so the committee does not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all of those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are in silent mode or switched off.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. As they are aware, within the precincts of Leinster House witnesses 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, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty, as Cathaoirleach, to ensure 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 they comply with any such direction.

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

On the agenda for the first session of today's meeting of the committee is education for children with special educational needs with the following witnesses: from the Irish Primary Principals Networks, IPPN, Mr. Páiric Clerkin, chief executive officer, and Ms Caroline Quinn, special educational needs, SEN, specialist; from the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, NAPD, Ms Rachel O'Connor, deputy director; from the Equality of Education campaign, Ms Charlotte Cahill and Ms Rebecca Meehan; and from the National Parents Council, NPC, Ms Áine Lynch, chief executive officer, and Ms Carmel O'Shea, advocacy manager. They are all very welcome to today's committee meeting.

I am going to get straight into it because we are a little restricted by time. I call Mr. Clerkin of the IPPN to make an opening statement. He has five minutes.