Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their very informative and honest contributions. A few weeks ago we heard the shocking metrics about health outcomes, infant mortality, life expectancy and mental health, as well as the core social problems in health, education, housing, etc. As Deputy O'Callaghan mentioned, it is important that this committee reinforces what the previous committee did and the positive measures it proposed.

The Taoiseach made that very important statement of recognition and respect. I know this has happened with the Sami people in Scandinavia and there have been other groups in the North, in Britain and elsewhere. What has been the practical effect of that over a period of time for groups there? How has it improved their relative position in that society at that time? Some reports mention that mental health and self-respect have improved. I ask the witnesses to go into more detail about how that formal move by the state has had practical implications for people.