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

I thank Mr. English.

On behalf of the committee, I want to congratulate everyone on their achievements. Given the Olympic standard, it is incredible to think how well everyone did, and across such a wide breadth of different skills and areas. It is really fascinating. On behalf of the State, I thank everyone and acknowledge the positive impression of Ireland I have no doubt everyone gave in Russia. That is hugely important. We want to send our best people because they are ambassadors for us abroad. Given their significant achievements, I have no doubt that they played that role really well.

Most importantly, I acknowledge the inspiration I have no doubt the competitors are to the young people in Ireland. They are an inspiration to their fellow citizens, to their fellow students and to us, as committee members. I have no doubt that they, along with their families, are very proud of what they have achieved.

The team had the opportunity to sit in on our earlier hearing on reduced timetables. Normally, parliamentary committees discuss what is wrong in society and the difficulties and problems we have, in particular within the education and skills system, which we deal with in this committee. In our experience, these problems affect younger and vulnerable people, in particular. It is so refreshing and encouraging to have the team here to shine a light on what they have achieved. Despite the difficulties and problems we have in society, the work they do and their achievements will give all of us better hope for the future.

I would like to ask our guests to say a few words about their experience and about their particular skill and achievement. If they are not comfortable doing that, that is absolutely fine. If anyone who would like to speak, perhaps they might indicate. We will be more than happy to welcome them to do so.