Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment. On a personal level, I wish him the best. I know this is an area in which he has great expertise and about which he is very passionate. I look forward to working with him and with every member of the committee in a collegiate way on what is a very important issue.

Education is the great equaliser in our society. I hope we will come at our work from the viewpoint of how we can best benefit children in the country. I come from a working-class background. The education I got has probably led to me being in the position I am in today. I hope that regardless of the challenges children face in life, whether it is socioeconomic status and trying to advance in society or special needs requirements, we can provide everything that is needed to give them the absolute best chance in life.

I will most definitely engage on our work programme. Senator Tully mentioned school transport and special education. I was at the briefing earlier by the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, on school transport. I raised the issue of the age limit of 70 years for school transport drivers. This is a matter on which we need to engage.

We should at all times try to see how we can best support our school principals, special needs assistants, SNAs, secretaries, caretakers, teachers and, in particular, students and their parents. I look forward to working on the committee. I hope we can get some very good work done.