Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Damian White, president of the Irish Primary Principals' Network, IPPN, Ms Rachel O'Connor, vice-president of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, NAPD, and Mr. John Irwin, general secretary of the Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools, ACCS. The witnesses are here to discuss school bullying and the impact on mental health for students. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. White to make an opening statement, and he will be followed by Ms O'Connor and Mr. Irwin. The statements will be followed by questions from members of the committee, with each member having a six-minute slot to ask questions and for the witnesses to respond.

Witnesses are probably aware that the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting. Before beginning, I remind them 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. As witnesses are giving evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precinct, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. Witnesses have already been advised of this.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I call Mr. White to make his opening statement, followed by the other witnesses. They each have three minutes.