Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I welcome everybody to the meeting. The agenda for today's meeting is the fees charged by Quality and Qualifications Ireland for the education programmes delivered through community and voluntary organisations. This matter is being discussed by the committee on foot of correspondence received recently on the application of new fees by Quality and Qualifications Ireland in respect of education programmes delivered through community and voluntary organisations. Given the role played by such bodies in education, it is important to understand the impact such fees could have on the sector.

I welcome the delegates from ICTU, Mr. Frank Vaughan, Ms Aileen Morrissey and Ms Claudia Darley, from Quality and Qualifications Ireland, Ms Trish O'Brien, Ms Mary Sheridan and Dr. Bryan Maguire, and from the Department of Education and Skills, Ms Mary Doyle, Mr. Brian Power and Mr. Hugh Geoghegan.

I draw the attention of witnesses to privilege. I inform them 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 the committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they will be 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. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Frank Vaughan to make his opening remarks on behalf of ICTU.