Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I must say I thought generation F would be a bit more of a provocative "F". It is interesting.

On a philosophical point, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh has done a lot more thinking than I have on this idea of future generations and a commission for future generations, people who are not currently here or, whatever way it is, are in a particular time in their life, and how one imagines how they would participate in something going forward. I apologise if my questions are at that basic level of understanding.

When we think about future generations and what the commission might look like in terms of those future generations and their seat at the table, how do we ensure that the values or the power concentrations of the now do not embed that same concentration of power, ideology, value or principle? Will the commission be always developing or will it be grounded in particular principles, structures or guidelines such that we throw an arrow into the future generations but, because it is people who are currently in the now or are making certain decisions because of the social context of their lives, they in a way get to decide what the commission looks like? If those who are closest to power end up developing what the commission looks like, how does one stop it repeating patterns of power going forward? I do not know if that is an appropriate question when thinking about the commission or if it is easier to understand than I am making it. It is great if we can fully philosophically engage with all those ideas of future generations. It is not necessarily a youth thing because that is the now; it is not the future. I would love to hear the Deputy's thoughts, if I am even making any sense in terms of what I am asking him.