Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Last week we met representatives of the Department of Education and Skills and tomorrow we will meet with the six higher education institutions. We are here today to examine the Higher Education Authority financial statements for 2015. The HEA is responsible for the strategic development of the Irish higher education and research system and its purpose is to create a coherent system of diverse institutions, with distinct missions, which are responsive to the social, cultural and economic development of Ireland and its people and supports the achievement of national objectives. The HEA also has a statutory responsibility at central Government level for the effective governance and regulation of higher education institutions and the higher education system.

We are joined by Dr. Graham Love, chief executive of the HEA; Mr. Andrew Brownlee, head of system funding; Mr. Stewart Roche, management accountant; Mr. Neil McDermott, system funding; and Ms Deborah Walsh. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones. I wish to advise 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 that 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Finally, 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General to make a brief opening statement.