Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank members so much for nominating me as Cathaoirleach. It is a privilege to be the Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community (2023). I note to the many members who are around the table today that this will be a longstanding committee. It is quite an achievement. Even if we were never to get back in as part of the Irish Parliament again, it is quite a legacy to leave behind. I am absolutely delighted with that. I am coming back in now as Cathaoirleach and I know what I am doing, but the first time around I was learning and getting the opportunity to learn how it works. As I said, I am honoured to be Cathaoirleach of the Traveller committee. As a member of the Traveller community, we always say that Travellers should be leading Travellers, and there should be nothing about Travellers without Travellers. It is therefore a good example to have a member of the community as a Cathaoirleach.

I declare that I will be faithful in my duty and I will make no judgment against, or show favouritism to, anybody who comes before the committee. I will be true to the role. I will apply the rules that are laid down by Leinster House and I will implement those rules in a fair and respectful manner. I look forward to working with everybody and the committee members.

Most importantly, I look forward to doing the work with the Traveller community. I will look for the implementation of the work of the previous committee. That is what this committee is here to do; to implement actions for our community to bring about a better quality of life and opportunities for the Traveller community. I now invite members to speak.