Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I welcome the witnesses and wish to draw their 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 on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I extend a similar note of advice to Members.

This session is devoted to the following agenda. First, we are engaging in a follow-up on the joint committee's report on tackling back-to-school costs and the announcement in the Budget Statement on 15 October to establish schoolbook rental schemes. Last June the committee launched a report on tackling back-to-school costs. The report was prepared for the committee by Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, as rapporteur. It was drawn up following a public consultation process which was followed by committee meetings attended by a number of main stakeholder groups. The report made a number of recommendations directed at the Department of Education and Skills and school boards of management. It is timely for the committee to evaluate what progress has been made on this important matter and to consider what further action is required. The committee will have noted the announcement made by the Minister for Education and Skills earlier this week on school uniforms.

I welcome the following representatives to the meeting: Mr. Hubert Loftus and Mr. Matt Ryan, Department of Education and Skills; Mr. Ferdia Kelly, general secretary, and Fr. Paul Connell, Joint Managerial Body; Ms Áine Lynch, chief executive officer and Ms Deirdre Sullivan, National Parents Council Primary; and Mr. Don Myers, president, and Mr. Jim Moore, national president, National Parents Council Post-Primary. They will all make presentations on this important matter. I invite Mr. Loftus to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.