Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Good morning everyone. We have received apologies from Deputy O'Meara. You are all very welcome. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute himself or herself when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are in silent mode or switched off. Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex.

Witnesses within the precincts of the Leinster House are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to this committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say in the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

On the agenda for today's meeting are the current and future plans for curriculum reform at senior cycle. I welcome from the Department of Education and Youth Mr. Dalton Tattan, assistant secretary general, and Mr. Neville Kenny, principal officer; from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, Ms Arlene Forster, chief executive, and Mr. Barry Slattery, deputy CEO of the post-primary unit; and from the State Examinations Commission, SEC, Ms Andrea Feeney, chief executive officer, and Ms Deirdre Phelan, acting head of the examinations and assessment division. I call the officials to make their opening statements in the following order: Mr. Tattan, Ms Forster and Ms Feeney. You have five minutes each. The opening statements will be followed by questions from committee members. Members will have six minutes each. I ask that, as per previous meetings, members give sufficient time for a response.