Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Wheatley. On behalf of the committee, I thank everyone very sincerely. It was a really good discussion, and very interesting. As these are public hearings, it will be good for people who do not understand many of the issues even to hear some of the day-to-day challenges, such as hospitalisation and vaccines. People would not even think about that. It is something many parents take for granted and would not even think twice about. When you give practical everyday examples such as that, it resonates with people.

As I said earlier, it is very emotional. It is not easy to come into a public forum and share your story. It is not something that anybody probably envisaged doing, both in terms of the witnesses' own children and being excellent advocates for them

In terms of our work, there will be another Dáil committee specifically in relation to this topic. This was a good starting point for some of that work for all of us to learn from. It is hoped that work will get started fairly soon.

I sincerely thank everyone again. I agree to a certain extent that much of the talk has to come to an end soon and there has to be action. Given some of the significant stories of people with medical issues or cancer in the family right now, they and their children need answers. It is relatively early in 2022. It is to be hoped this will be the year when we will see action. There is a real sincerity, particularly in this committee. Everybody is very much on board and wants to see this happening.

I thank everyone for their time and for the engagement with all of the questions and answers. Is it agreed to publish the opening statements on the Oireachtas website? Agreed.