I welcome Ms Claire O'Connell, chairperson, and Ms Catherine Byrne, steering committee member, Irish Prison Education Association, IPEA. The witnesses are here to discuss the current and future provision of prisoner education. I will invite Ms O'Connell to make a brief opening statement. This will be followed by members' individual slots of five minutes, to ask questions and for the witnesses to respond. As Ms O'Connell and Ms Byrne will probably be aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

I remind witnesses 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 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. It is imperative that they comply with such direction from the Chair.

As Ms O'Connell and Ms Byrne will probably be aware, we had the Irish Prison Service and the education and training board, ETB, before the committee, briefly, which was very beneficial. We look forward to hearing views on the IPEA's performance.