Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Sorca Clare and Senators Aisling Dolan and Fiona O'Loughlin. Senator Malcolm Byrne is substituting for Senator O'Loughlin.

I remind members to please ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment of the Houses, even if they are on silent mode. Are the minutes of the meeting of 3 July agreed? Agreed.

We are meeting this morning with the BT Young Scientist winner and other entrants on AI projects. On behalf of the committee I welcome Ms Eugenie Kelleher, St. Mary’s College, Macroom, County Cork; Ms Layla-Grace White and Ms Leah Jennings, Ballinteer Community School, Dublin 16; Mr. Padráig Meade, Scoil Pól, Kilfinane, Count Limerick; and Mr. Seán O'Sullivan, Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, County Limerick. The witnesses are here to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in post-primary education.

Finally, I congratulate Seán on winning the accolade of the 2024 BT Young Scientist of the Year. I also welcome the parents, siblings and teachers of the young scientists, and former committee witnesses, who are their teachers, and officials from the Department of Education to the Public Gallery.

The format of the meeting will be that I will invite the witnesses to make brief opening statements lasting five minutes and there will be a timer on the screens. Ms Kelleher, Ms Jennings and Ms White will make a joint statement. They will be followed by Mr. Meade and Mr. O'Sullivan. The opening statements will be followed by questions from the committee members. Each member has a specific slot to ask questions and for the witnesses to respond. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting.

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 or entity outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Ms Kelleher may begin. She will be followed by the other witnesses.