Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No apologies have been received. The meeting will start with the declaration by the Cathaoirleach. In accordance with Standing Orders, I wish to make the following declaration:

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Children and Equality without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down the by House, and in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit and that is Leinster House in this regard. I ask any members participating via Microsoft Teams that prior to making their contribution in any public meeting, he or she confirms that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Our next item is my introductory remarks as Cathaoirleach. It was an honour to be appointed as Chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Equality. I am privileged to welcome members to our first meeting. Many of us, including myself, are newly elected Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I look forward to working with committee members in a genuine spirit of partnership and co-operation. The committee will give oversight and scrutiny to policies that affect some of the most vulnerable communities and groups in society and all of those affected by inequality and exclusion. An important part of the committee's remit is a commitment to the well-being, protection and rights of children, who are the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society. It is fitting that our first sitting coincides with the publication of the Ombudsman for Children's Office annual report 2024 entitled Tomorrow Starts with Us. The report marks 20 years since the OCO was established and outlines 1,700 complaints that highlight key challenges facing children. Issues highlighted include access to healthcare, a safe place to sleep, experiences with bullying and feelings of loneliness, among many others. I know that all of the members are passionate about these issues and most likely many of them requested to be on this committee. I, too, share their passion as prior to my election as Teachta Dála for Mayo, I was a behaviour consultant for 19 years specialising in supporting children who are neurodiverse, along with their families and schools.

The remit of this committee is broader than childhood alone. We are also tasked with championing equality for all, including LGBTQI+ individuals who still face significant barriers, discrimination and marginalisation across many parts of society. Today is the tenth anniversary of the historic marriage equality referendum and a reminder that with increasing intimidation facing the community, we must remain steadfast in protecting rights that we won and not allow fear and intimidation to creep in. We have an opportunity through its work to effect change and influence legislation that will help to ensure that our systems of care, support and protection are effective, compassionate and grounded in the rights and dignity of every individual.

Over this term, it is my sincere hope that we will operate as a cohesive and collaborative body, open in our deliberations and committed to listening to the voices of those we serve. I look forward to working with every member to advance this important mandate. Do anyone wish to comment?