Ms Sin?ad Gibney:

Yes, exactly, on a sidebar. I can give the Chairman certainty that the rights of older people are absolutely within our remit. Indeed, they are a priority for us in the strategic cycle, particularly in the post-Covid world, as the Chairman said. What we want to see is better scrutiny and better equality-proofing and human rights-proofing of policy and legislation. Unfortunately, that did not happen well enough during the pandemic. What I have heard directly from older people is that they felt infantilised and treated as a homogenous group when we know that they are a very diverse group. We all enjoy living longer and living healthier longer, so those rights absolutely are a priority for us. I would be more than happy to continue to engage with the Chairman on that.

As for the issues for refugees, I agree with the Chairman. Regardless of the numbers and of how unprecedented this situation is, and regardless of where a refugee comes from, Ireland has international and domestic human rights obligations and standards that it must meet. We are not meeting those right now as a State. There is the very basic element of vulnerability assessments in order that, for example, as we see the increase in tented accommodation, which, I understand, is where we are at, we make sure that at least those most vulnerable within that population are not placed in such a setting and that regulatory inspections are carried out. Those situations are dangerous places for human rights infringements and violations. Again, I am more than happy to directly engage with the Chairman's office.