Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I remind members to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment of the House, even when in silent mode.

The draft minutes of the meeting of 21 June have been circulated. Are the minutes agreed to? Agreed. I wish to advise members that at 1 p.m. the select committee will discuss a Bill. The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, will be in attendance.

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Rachel Collier, CEO, and Mr. Barry Peak, learning and training specialist, from Young Social Innovators, YSI. Mr. Gerry Fitzpatrick, chairperson, YSI, cannot attend due to illness. I also welcome a delegation from Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, County Wicklow that comprises Ms Karen Murphy, teacher, Mr. Darragh Rawson, student, and Ms Annie Sheppard, student, who undertook the YSI project. The witnesses are here to discuss the YSI project. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Ms Collier to make a brief five-minute opening statement. She will be followed by Mr. Rawson and Ms Sheppard, who will share a five-minute slot. Members will then each have an eight-minute slot to ask questions and receive responses from the witnesses. I ask the witnesses and members to keep an eye on the time shown on the television screens during their slots. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

Before we begin, 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.

That also applies to the witnesses. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 to discontinue their remarks by the Chair. It is imperative that they comply with such direction from the Chair.

I call on Ms Collier to make her opening statement to be followed by the other two statements. I will allow Deputy Ó Cathasaigh in to speak early because he has to attend another meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.