Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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The subject of today's discussion is changes to the junior certificate curriculum with particular reference to history. A delegation from the History Teachers' Association of Ireland is present to make a presentation on this matter. The delegation includes Mr. Gerard Hanlon, president, Ms Granú Dwyer, Ms Niamh Crowley, Mr. Diarmaid Ferriter and Ms Catriona Crowe. I also welcome officials from the Department of Education and Skills who will advise further on this issue. They are Ms Breda Naughton, principal officer, Mr. Padraig Mac Fhlannchadha, assistant chief inspector in the Department, and Mr. Kevin McCarthy, senior inspector.

I draw our guests' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements the witnesses have submitted will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that I have just outlined. I invite Mr. Hanlon to make his opening remarks on behalf of the History Teachers' Association of Ireland.