Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

Apologies have been received from Senator Nikki Bradley. The purpose of today's meeting is to continue our discussion on inclusive education for people with disabilities. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, Deputy Michael Moynihan, who has responsibility for special education and inclusion.

I also welcome the following officials from the Department of Education and Youth accompanying the Minister of State today: Martina Mannion, assistant secretary with responsibility for special education; Brendan Doody, principal officer with responsibility for special education; Barbara Mulhall, principal officer with responsibility for school transport; and Mark Kelly, principal officer in the planning and building unit.

Before we begin, I will read out a note on parliamentary privilege and housekeeping matters. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege.

I remind members 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. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit. In that regard, I ask any members partaking via Microsoft Teams prior to making a contribution to the meeting to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

The Minister of State may call on officials to speak briefly for clarification during the meeting where a specific or technical point arises and the officials may clarify issues for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister of State who is the accountable person before the committee.

I am aware that a wide range of issues will be the subject of discussion today. If necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues may be sent to the clerk of the committee for clarification to members. I now call on the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, to make his opening statement.