Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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No apologies have been received. I ask members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even if they are on silent mode. Are the minutes of the meeting of 28 May agreed? Agreed.

We will have two sessions, the first of which will be a round-table discussion on climate action and sustainable development in primary and post-primary education. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Evelyn O'Connor, principal officer, and Ms Leona De Khors, assistant principal, curriculum and assessment policy unit; Ms Esther Doyle, assistant chief inspector, principal officer equivalent, senior cycle development programme management office; Mr. John Dolan, technical officer, climate action, planning and building unit; Ms Majella O'Dea, assistant principal, teacher and professional learning section; and Ms Aoife Rush, director for curriculum and assessment, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

The officials are here to brief the committee on climate action and sustainable development education in primary and post-primary schools. I will invite Ms O'Connor to make a brief opening statement, which will be followed by questions from members. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following today's meeting.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make 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 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 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 by the Chair. Ms O'Connor may begin her opening statement and she has five minutes.