Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I remind delegates and members to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the sound system, making it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings of the meeting. They also affect the television coverage and web streaming.

The purpose in this part of the meeting is to discuss with a number of stakeholders matters related to the operation of the school transport scheme. Obviously, it is very important to have a school transport scheme that is fit for purpose, efficient and offers value for money. There is particular interest in the concessionary places and the places for children with special needs who have to attend special classes or special schools.

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome from the Department of Education and Skills Mr. Richard Dolan, principal officer, and Ms Niamh McElduff, assistant principal officer, from the school transport unit. From Bus Éireann I welcome Mr. Ray Hernan, acting CEO; Mr. Gerry Gannon, school transport manager, and Ms Margaret Hubbard, procurement and materials manager. From the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, I welcome Mr. Sé Goulding, head of operations, and Ms Noelle Connolly, head of local services. From the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education I welcome Ms Breda Corr, general secretary; and from the National Parents' Council - Primary, Ms Áine Lynch, CEO.

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. If they are directed by me, as Chairman, to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.

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

We have a number of Members in attendance who are not members of the committee and they are very welcome. They will also have an opportunity to comment and contribute to the debate.

I ask all delegates to keep their opening statements to a maximum of five minutes. I thank those who submitted their opening statements in advance. I call on Mr. Dolan to make his opening statement.