Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Hayes for his comments. I have no doubt that his experience as Eavan Kate's father will bring a new fresh perspective, which is probably needed. He has a personal legacy. By that I mean, his efforts will ensure that other children will have the same opportunities enjoyed by Eavan Kate. It was interesting to hear about his journey around the world with his family in tow in terms of how society treated people with intellectual disability. I, too, speak from a personal perspective. I have a brother who lives in Kildare and he has Down's syndrome, which always informs me in terms of the issues that are presented to the committee.

We will, as a committee, notify the Minister that we have had an engagement with Mr. Hayes and we will wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Hayes for the position. On behalf of the committee, I thank him for coming before us today and for his engagement on this very important topic that genuinely occupies us quite a bit in our work programme. I ask him to ensure that the next NCSE annual report includes any issues that he would like us to engage on, as a committee. I ask him to forward the report to us when it is published and assure him that we would be more than happy to engage. We wish him well with the task ahead. We have no doubt about his commitment and dedication to the matter. We will now go into private session to deal with housekeeping matters.