Joan Freeman (Independent)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Jim Daly and Josepha Madigan. Before we commence I remind witnesses and members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely or on airplane mode as they cause interference with the sound and broadcasting system.

The purpose of this meeting is a discussion with Early Childhood Ireland on the national collaborative forum for the early years care and education sector, the reality in terms of current early years education in Ireland and the policy and direction in which it would like to see this country going. I welcome Ms Teresa Heeney, CEO, Early Childhood Ireland and her colleagues, Mr. Dónall Geoghegan, director of policy and communications and Ms Paula Hilliard, ECI panel member.

Before we proceed, I wish to advise the witnesses 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. 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 a 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 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements made today to the committee will be published on its website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Ms Heeney to make her opening statement, following which members of the committee may ask questions.