John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Mr. Cawley, for your engagement with the committee. I note you have been claimed by five or six counties in the course of the meeting. It is a wish that many politicians lack. You bring enormous expertise and energy to this job. You say you wish to engage with the local communities. A presentation was made to the committee when we were discussing the document on tourism for the Minister. I cannot remember the name of the person who made the presentation but he spoke about volunteerism. That was what The Gathering was about, from the grassroots up. You mention that you must undertake a great deal of engagement with people to get a full knowledge of Ireland, but it appears from your presentation that you have a fair grasp of it already.

On behalf of the committee, I wish you well in your new task. With your track record I have no doubt that you will be exciting and will deliver in the job you are about to undertake.