The purpose in this part of the meeting is to engage with a number of stakeholders on the challenges facing island schools. This engagement is the result of a detailed examination of the topic by our special rapporteur, Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, who is a member of the joint committee. There is no doubt about the importance of island schools to their communities. They play an essential role in the society and culture of island communities, possibly more so than on the mainland. We will have an opportunity to focus on the challenges facing them, particularly in the provision of resources, the context of the pupil-teacher ratio and the important matter of subject choice. The hearings will to help inform a report Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh is compiling.
The delegates are all incredibly welcome. They have all made a very long journey to be with us. We really appreciate their doing so in the middle of a very busy week and very much look forward to our engagement with them.
Some members have indicated a preference to make some or all of their contributions in Irish. We absolutely accept this and have translation facilities available. On a positive note, this is the only committee room that has such facilities available. Early in the new year two more committee rooms are to be kitted out. This is very important and something members of this committee have asked for.
On behalf of the committee, I extend a very warm welcome to Mr. Pat Gilmore, vice president of Education and Training Boards Ireland, ETBI; Mr. Tomás Mac Pháidín and Ms Mairéad Thompson from Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board; and Ms Anne McHugh, CEO of Donegal Education and Training Board. At this point I offer absolution to Ms McHugh as she may have to leave before our proceedings end in order to catch a train to Sligo. That is absolutely fine and understandable. I also welcome Ms Bríd Ní Dhonncha, príomhoide of Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oírr; Mr. Mícheál Ó Culáin, príomhoide of Coláiste Naomh Éinne, Inis Mór; Ms Mairéad Ní Fhátharta, príomhoide cúnta, Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Inis Meáin; Ms Bláthnaid Ní Ghréacháin, príomhfheidhmeannach, Gaelscoileanna Teo; Ms Anna Ní Chártúir, uachtarán, Gaeloideachais; Ms Deirdre O'Connor, assistant general secretary, and Ms Síne Friel from the INTO.
I invite delegates to make a brief opening statement of a maximum of five minutes duration. Where there is more than one delegate representing an organisation, as in the case of the INTO and Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, only five minutes are allowed, but the time may be shared. After the opening statements, we will have engagement with committee members. We shall hear from members first and then the other Oireachtas Members who have joined us. I thank them for doing so.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by me as Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise that any opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.
Members are reminded 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.
I call on Mr. Gilmore to make the opening statement on behalf of ETBI.