Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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This purpose of this meeting is to consider the draft general scheme of the technological universities Bill. Last month the Minister for Education and Skills referred to the committee the general scheme of the technological universities Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. The joint committee agreed to seek written submissions from a list of key stakeholders by 28 March 2014. To progress the matter further this meeting will hear from eight of the stakeholders.
I welcome Professor Brian Norton from the Dublin Technological University Alliance steering group, which represents DIT, IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght; Mr. Paul Hannigan, representing Institutes of Technology Ireland; Mr. Glenn Fitzpatrick, representing DIT students' union in conjunction with the students' unions at IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght; Mr. Tony Donohoe, representing IBEC; Mr John MacGabhann, representing the Teachers' Union of Ireland, TUI; Mr. Tom Boland, representing the Higher Education Authority; Mr. Ned Costello, representing the Irish Universities Association; and Dr. Padraig Walsh, representing Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI.
Before commencing with the presentations I wish to advise the witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. 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. They 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 to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or 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 Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also advise witnesses that the opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.
Mobile phones interfere with the broadcasting equipment and today's proceedings may be broadcast on "Oireachtas Report" and online. I ask everyone in attendance to ensure that mobile phones are completely switched off rather than left on silent mode.
I invite Professor Norton to make his presentation on behalf of the Dublin Technological University Alliance steering group.