Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. Apologies have been received from Deputy Ó Ríordáin and Senators Dolan and O'Loughlin. Are the minutes of the meeting of 18 April agreed? Agreed.

We will have two sessions today. On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Ms Evelyn O'Connor, principal officer, curriculum and assessment policy unit, Department of Education; Ms Karen Murtagh, assistant principal, curriculum and assessment policy unit, Department of Education; Ms Arlene Forster, chief executive, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA; Mr. Diarmuid Mooney, acting director, curriculum and assessment, NCCA; Ms Andrea Feeney, chief executive officer, State Examinations Commission, SEC; and Ms Elaine Sheridan, head of examinations and assessment, SEC.

The witnesses are here to brief the committee on the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, in Irish education. The format of the meeting is that I will invite the witnesses to make brief opening statements in the following order: Ms O'Connor, Ms Forster and Ms Feeney. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has a five-minute slot, given the time constraints because we have so many members here to put questions. The committee will publish the opening statements on its website following today's 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Witnesses are reminded 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me, as Cathaoirleach, to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Ms O'Connor, you may begin, and the other witnesses will follow. The witnesses have five minutes each.