Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Matt Shanahan. I ask all those present in the committee room to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid 19. Members who are participating in the meeting remotely can only do so from within the Leinster House complex.

Today we will have a discussion on two reports, Future of the National Training Fund and Creating Our Future. The National Training Fund, NTF, was established by the National Training Fund Act 2000 as a dedicated fund to support the training of those in employment and those seeking employment. The Act also provides for the funding of research to provide information on existing and likely future skills requirements of the economy.

In recent reports, both the Irish Business and Employers Council, IBEC, and Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, have highlighted the importance of utilising the NTF in providing adequate funding to develop research talent and skills that will be crucial to the healthy development of the economy and society. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from SFI and IBEC. From SFI, I welcome Professor Philip Nolan, director general, Dr. Ruth Freeman, director, and, joining us online, Professor James Gleeson, director and head of department of mathematics and statistics at the University of Limerick and director of the SFI centre for research training in foundations of data science.

From IBEC, I welcome Ms Claire McGee, head of education and innovation policy, and Ms Meadhbh Costello, policy executive.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue such remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. I invite Professor Nolan to make his opening remarks on behalf of SFI.