John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Item number 8 is the Special Report No. 78 on matters arising out of the education audits. Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones as interference from the telephones affects the sound quality and transmission of the discussion.

I wish to advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they do not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the Houses, or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provision within Standing Order 158 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills. This is his first appearance at the committee and I wish him well in his work. I invite him now to introduce his officials.