Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Anna Murphy, senior strategic advisor of Quality and Qualifications Ireland; Mr. Tim Conlon, head of policy and strategic planning at the Higher Education Authority; Mr. Andrew Brownlee, the chief executive officer of SOLAS; and Dr. Mary-Liz Trant, interim director of the national apprenticeship office. The witnesses are here today to discuss the further funding of higher education. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Dr. Murphy to make a brief opening statement, followed by Mr. Conlon, Mr. Brownlee and Dr. Trant. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee and there will be an eight-minute slot for each member's questions and the witnesses' replies.

I ask our guests to watch the timers under the television screens in the room. As participants are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements to the Oireachtas website following the meeting.

Before I begin, 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 Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him her or it identifiable.

I also remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make that him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person. Therefore, if their statements are defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct witnesses to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I now ask the witnesses to make their opening statements. They have five minutes each. Dr. Murphy is first. She will be followed by Mr. Conlon, Mr. Brownlee and Dr. Trant.