Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Good morning everyone and good morning to the witnesses. This meeting is on the need for greater regulation and oversight of the English language education sector. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Keith Moynes, assistant secretary, higher education policy division, Mr. Padraig Hennigan, assistant principal officer, and Ms Wendy Ross, assistant principal, higher education quality unit, of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; and Dr. Jim Murray, director of development, and Ms Mary Grennan, head of international education of Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI. The officials are here today to brief the committee on the need for greater regulation and oversight of the English language education sector. The Higher Education Authority, HEA, was invited but declined as the organisation is not directly involved in the English language sector. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. Moynes and then Dr. Murray to make a brief opening statement of five minutes. The countdown clocks can be seen on either side. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member will have a six-minute slot and the officials probably are aware that the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting today.

Before we begin, I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise, or make charge against a person outside the house, or an official either by name or in such a way that makes him or her identifiable. The officials 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 a way that makes him, her or it 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 by the Chair to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction of the Chair. Mr. Moynes may begin. He will have five minutes and will be followed by Dr. Murray.