George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)

Apologies have been received from Deputy Rice. I ask members who are attending remotely to put their microphones on mute when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I ask all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on silent or switched off. I will check my own now. Members attending remotely are reminded of their constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex.

As the witnesses 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 that 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 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for today's meeting is an engagement with the Department of Education and Youth to discuss the matter of funding for Traveller education and related matters. I invite Ms Cliodhna O'Neill, assistant secretary, to make the Department's opening statement, following which we will proceed with a question-and-answer session.