Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and wish her the very best. It is a huge honour to chair this committee. I would like to introduce myself to colleagues on the committee. I am honoured to be a member alongside them. I have been a very proud youth and community worker for approximately 15 years. I relish the opportunity to get into some of the important issues relating to children's rights and specifically childcare and early years education. The opportunity to discuss that issue at length over the coming term is a real privilege this committee has been afforded. From a community worker's perspective, I look forward to discussing rights, discrimination, oppression and some of the structural inequalities that are facing many groups in our society. I will not labour members with my hopes for the work plan just yet, but I wish the Chair and colleagues the best in our collective endeavours over the next couple of years.