John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as interference affects the sound quality and transmission of the meeting.

I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 should 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 provisions within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister or the merits or objectives of such policy or policies.

I welcome the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, and ask him to introduce his officials.