Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Annie Sheppard, Mr. Darragh Rawson and Ms Molly Hynes from Coláiste Bhríd in Wicklow.

I also welcome Mr. Ryan Sharpe and Ms Tami O'Leary from the Cork Life Centre and Mr. Hugh Ahern from the Patrician Academy in County Cork. Most of the witnesses have appeared before the committee at this stage. Ms O'Leary is a new recruit, and I think the three people from Coláiste Bhríd have appeared before the committee previously. I know Mr. Ahern has also appeared previously. I also welcome Ms Karen Murphy, teacher, Ms Alexandra Ludgate, Ms Hannah Mulroe, Ms Chloe Cullen and Ms Olive Tutty, students from Coláiste Bhríd; and Mr. Sam Lynch, teacher, from Cork Life Centre. All are in the Public Gallery today. The witnesses are here to discuss the mental health supports in schools and tertiary education. I will invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement in the following order; Ms Sheppard, Mr. Rawson, Ms Hynes, Mr. Sharpe, Ms O'Leary and Mr. Ahern. This will be followed by questions from the committee members. Each member has a five minute slot today. The committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting.

Before we begin 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 or entity either inside or outside the House and if they do so they will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their statements and it is imperative to comply with such direction.