Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Children's Mental Health Services: Seanad Public Consultation Committee

9:00 am

Photo of Joan FreemanJoan Freeman (Independent)
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I would add to that as well that it was wonderful to see the compassion of gardaí outlined in Dr. Shannon's report. Knowing that makes the terrible issues a tiny bit softer.

I thank Dr. Shannon. He really has been incredible this morning. I thank him for the way he answered all the questions. It was certainly a rapid-fire approach and we are very grateful. If there is anything we can do, as I said, to promote or encourage that Dr. Shannon is part of the next stage, I am sure that the committee would agree to do something in that vein.

I was somewhat remiss earlier so I take this opportunity to congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, on his new appointment. That is why I am here today. I am only taking his place temporarily. It is terrific that he has been made Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for mental health and older people. We wish the Minister of State the greatest success.

I would like to introduce Ms Emer Crooke, who has replaced Ms Dervila Flynn as clerk to the committee. I probably was not supposed to do this publicly but I am saying, "Hello and welcome", to her.

Before I adjourn proceedings until our next meeting on Wednesday, 12 July, I wish to point out that the latter is supposed to start at 10 a.m. However, in order to help Deputy Function with her report, would it be acceptable to meet here at 9 a.m.?