Ms Diandra Ní Bhuachalla:

We follow international developments in this space with keen interest, including the work of the Welsh Future Generations Commissioner, the UN Summit of the Future and the introduction of a new UN envoy on future generations, and the new mandate of the EU Commissioner-designate for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport.

We have long been aware of this Commission for Future Generations Bill and of Deputy Ó Cathasaigh's work. Should it be adopted, it will enable Ireland to officially join an existing community of visionaries, placing us at the forefront of a new approach to policymaking and policy coherence and enhancing the standard of living for current as well as future generations. We especially welcome section 5 of the Bill but would call for expansion of the language around the commission's composition to include all nine protected grounds under the Equal Status Act.

As active members of Coalition 2030, we support the asks contained in its recent report, including establishing a future generations commissioner for Ireland and public awareness-raising on the importance of long-term policymaking.

As we begin the implementation of the UN's Pact for the Future, the NYCI reiterates certain aspects of the historic global agreement. First, youth and future generations are two distinct groups with separate needs and interests. Second, meaningful youth participation must be strengthened on the national level. Third, the fundamental role of young people as agents of change underscores the importance of intergenerational dialogue and engagement. Regarding each of these points, this Commission for Future Generations Bill could not be more timely. We would encourage the inclusion of young people to advise on, shape and engage with the commission and hope the Bill will be adopted.

We will leave the committee with a quote from Ireland's Youth Pact for the Future, words directly from young people:

We commit to leaving a legacy behind for generations to come – as individuals, communities, leaders and institutions - which is one of peace, justice and compassion. We want to be good ancestors. We recognise that to build peace, we must be peaceful; to achieve justice, we must act in a just manner; to share compassion, we must be compassionate to ourselves and others.