Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome, from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science: Mr. William Beausang, assistant secretary, and Ms Karolina Murphy, assistant principal; and from SOLAS: Mr. Andrew Brownlee, chief executive officer, and Ms Maria Walshe, director of branding, communications and strategy implementation. The European Commission in Ireland was invited but could not attend due to conflicting business. It made a written submission which was circulated to members and will be put on the Oireachtas website following today's meeting. Mr. Beausang and Mr. Brownlee will each make an opening statement of five minutes and this will be followed by questions from members, who have six minutes each.

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 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 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. 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 invite Mr. Beausang to make his opening statement, to be followed by Mr. Brownlee.