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

I want to sincerely thank the participants. I think it was a great discussion and engagement. I know that I allowed all speakers to go over time. I did that on purpose so that we could have that discussion and engagement. We are also going to have more meetings on this topic. We certainly do not want the issue to fall on deaf ears or to go nowhere. It is a topic that we have wanted to look at for a long time. Coming out of Covid, we have a lot more flexibility. The discussion has been great for us, and I thank the witnesses sincerely for that. However, I would like to single out Ms O'Toole and Mr. Brown and thank them for their input. It is not easy to come in and tell your story. I totally agree that they are a fantastic voice and great advocates for all the other children. They said it was an honour to come in. To be honest, it is an honour for us to have them in and to hear their stories and their voices. I wish them the very best of luck in everything they do. I thank all the other groups represented. There will be other meetings, and I am sure the witnesses will be tuning into them.

When we have our report done - we will give Deputy Costello the job of writing everything out - we will give everyone a copy of it as well. I propose that we publish the opening statements to the Oireachtas website. Is that agreed? Agreed.