Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Everyone is very welcome. We have received apologies from Senators Pauline Tully and Shane Curley. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on 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.

Witnesses within the precincts of the Leinster House are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to this committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say in 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 respect of 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 a person or entity outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On the agenda for today's meeting of the committee is curricular reform at senior cycle. I welcome Mr. Kieran Christie, general secretary of the Association of Irish Secondary School Teachers, ASTI, Mr. Michael Gillespie, general secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland, TUI, Mr. Preston Ó Caoimh, president of the Irish Second-Level Students Union, ISSU, and Mr. Humphrey Jones, chairperson of the Irish Science Teachers Association, ISTA.

Each witness will have five minutes to make an opening statement. The opening statements will be followed by questions from members of the committee, who will have five-minute slots today given the time constraints. I ask them to leave sufficient time for the witnesses to respond when they are asking their questions.

I invite Mr. Christie to make his opening statement.