Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Senator Black very appropriately used the phrase "blown away". You cannot beat that but I would add to it that I am bowled over. The witnesses' inner strength is just phenomenal. I loved Evan's reference to a change of curriculum. Maybe that should involve climate studies and studies on reconciliation. Niamh spoke about the core value of inclusive groups, which is vital for young people. Karina said there is no place for marginalisation and Ashling noted there are fundamental issues that no funding can fix. This raises the bigger question of how we can really move on if we are leaving people behind. It is so difficult to move on. Maybe we should get our house in order around such fundamental issues, North and South, before looking at the bigger picture. Maybe that is slightly controversial. The witnesses hit such a heavy hitting note today. Maybe we should be healed mentally and in a better place and space before we look at the bigger picture.