Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Ms Arlene Forster, CEO, Mr. Barry Slattery, deputy chief executive officer, and Ms Evelyn O'Connor, acting director, at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA. I also welcome from the State Examinations Commission, SEC, Ms Andrea Feeney, CEO, Ms Elaine Sheridan, head of examinations and assessment division, and Mr. Richard Dolan, director of operations. The witnesses are here to discuss leaving certificate reform.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite Ms Forster to make her opening statement, followed by Ms Feeney. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has an eight-minute slot to ask a question and for the witnesses to reply. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish their opening statements 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. I 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 him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with such direction.

I call Ms Forster and Ms Feeney to make their opening remarks.