Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I welcome everyone here this afternoon including those watching the livestream at home. We have no apologies received in advance of today's meeting. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute their device when not contributing so that the meeting does not pick up any background noise or feedback. I also remind those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off entirely. 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 the witnesses are within the precincts of Leinster House they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to this committee. This means that they will have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such direction. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for session one of today's committee meeting is recruitment and retention of special needs assistants, SNAs, with the following witnesses. From Fórsa, I welcome Mr. Andy Pike, head of education; Ms Carol McSherry, chair, Fórsa north Dublin, north Leinster SNA branch and national executive committee, NEC, member; and Ms Catherine Quirke, chair, Fórsa Munster SNA branch and NEC member. From Embrace Autism, I welcome Ms Caroline Cockerill and Ms Lucy Crean. I call on Mr. Pike to make his opening statement, for which he will have five minutes, following which I will call on Ms Cockerill to make her opening statement, for which she will also have five minutes. The opening statements will be followed by questions from members of the committee.