Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to please ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting.

Today's meeting is taking place in order that the joint committee can examine the topic of mental health in the education system, including the development of coping skills and resilience that is so important for all of us.

There is a conflict in timing in terms of the Seanad. The Minister for Education and Skills must speak in the Seanad at 4.45 p.m. Unfortunately, Senators from this committee will have to pop into the Seanad to make their contributions. They have assured us that this meeting will take precedence and that they will come straight back to hear all of the evidence today.

On behalf of the committee I sincerely welcome the witnesses. We have Mr. Paul King, lecturer and programme chair, school of human development, Dublin City University. He brings a world of experience and research to today's topic. We also have Mr. Shane Martin who is a brother of our esteemed colleague, Deputy Catherine Martin. I was fortunate to attend his book launch on this area. We are delighted to have him with us to share his expertise and research. We also have Dr. Tony Bates, the founder of Jigsaw, the national centre for youth mental health. In my teaching days I was fortunate to listen and learn from him. A survey I conducted with a number of schools in my constituency revealed that they found the Jigsaw programme to be excellent in terms of promoting positive mental health. Last but not least, we have Mr. Peter Hussey, who is a good personal friend of mine. I have seen a lot of his tremendous work in this area. He is the artistic director of the Crooked House Theatre Company. He does a lot of work in this area with young people from all different age groups. He lectures in theatre studies in Maynooth University. He has done a lot of improvisation work with young people to help them deal with issues that can impact on their mental health. Yesterday I read an article in the Irish Examinerby Keith Walsh, who is a DJ . He said that if he could change one thing in education then it would be to have drama encouraged more as it would give young people a lot more confidence to deal with issues. It is very exciting to have these expert witnesses present.

I want to acknowledge the visitors in the Public Gallery. I welcome Mr. Caolán Dundon, Mr. Elliot Nolan, Ms Éadaoin Barrett and Mr. Jerry Chikwe-Iwu from the Crooked House Theatre Company and Ms Carmel Daly from Jigsaw.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 the 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 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect 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 also advise witnesses that the opening submissions and statements they have provided to us will be published on the committee website this afternoon.

Members are reminded of the same long-standing parliamentary practice.

I call on Mr. King to make his opening statement. He will be followed by the other witnesses in the order of seating. I propose that we take statements from the four witnesses and then members will have an opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Hussey has a PowerPoint presentation. When we reach it, the committee secretariat will ensure that the equipment he needs is in working order.