Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Everyone is very welcome. I ask those attending remotely to mute their devices when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all of those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are either on silent mode or switched off entirely. As the officials are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they will 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. As Cathaoirleach, 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, 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 that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside of the Houses or an official of the Houses by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for the second part of today's meeting of the committee is current and future plans for the recruitment and retention of special needs assistants, SNAs. We are joined by a number of officials. From the Department of Education and Youth, we have: Mr. James Walsh, principal officer with responsibility for teacher and SNA terms and conditions; Mr. Frank Hanlon, principal officer in the special education division; and Ms Angela Corcoran, principal officer in the same division. From the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, we have the following officials: Mr. John Kearney, CEO; and Ms Helen Walsh, principal officer. They are all very welcome. I apologise; Mr. Andrew Torrance is also here. He is a principal officer with the NCSE. He is also very welcome.

I will now call on Ms Corcoran to make her opening statement. She will have five minutes. Following that, I will call on Mr. Kearney to make his opening statement. He will also have five minutes. The opening statements will be followed by questions from members of the committee.