Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department of Education: Mr. Dalton Tattan, assistant secretary; Ms Anne Tansey, national director of the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS; and Ms Orlaith O’Connor, assistant chief inspector of schools. I also welcome Mr. Eamonn Moran, Ms Evelyn O’Connor, and Mr. Neville Kenny, all of whom are principal officers in the curriculum and assessment policy area of the Department of Education. The officials are here today to brief the committee on leaving certificate reform. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. Tattan to make a brief opening statement. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee.

Each member has an eight-minute slot to take. The committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. If statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with this direction. The officials are giving evidence remotely from a location outside the parliamentary precinct, and as such may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. They have already been advised of this issue. I invite Mr. Tattan to make his opening statement.