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

Are the minutes of 30 April agreed to? Agreed.

I welcome to the first session - I will do my best to pronounce the names correctly - from the English Language Students' Union of Ireland, ELSU, Mr. Fiachra Ó Luain, labour rights officer; Mr. Mashun Karakayun, member; Mr. Geronimo Alves De Oliveira, member; Ms Itzel Monserrat Martínez Murillo, communications officer; Mr. Jaime Nieto, member; and Mr. Ricardo Antonio Sotelo Rodriguez, member.

The witnesses are here to discuss the need for greater regulation and oversight of the English language sector. The format of the meeting is that I will invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement of five minutes each. This will be followed by questions by committee members who have five minutes each, owing to time restraints. The committee will publish the opening statements on its website today.

Before we begin 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 individual either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Witnesses 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 or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse the privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure the privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I can suspend the meeting at any stage.

I remind members that we will be sticking to the five minutes. Witnesses and members will see the clocks count down. We have a second session and we have to be out of the room by a specific time. Mr. Ó Luain has five minutes.