Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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On behalf of all committee members, I sincerely thank the Donald, Rosie and, in particular, Sive for being here this morning. It takes great fortitude and courage to come in and speak. It is one thing to speak for yourself but she is showing leadership today by speaking for the many students, some of whom are probably watching and some are not. There are teachers watching as well.

Ms O'Brien spoke this morning for huge numbers of students who struggle, be they at primary or secondary level, and even adults. I thank her for her strength and leadership. She is a credit to herself and her family and I hope her school recognises she has put it on the map, even more so than its volleyball team. She has put the school on a national footing and I thank her for that. I thank the members as always.

A pledge was circulated to us months ago and I gauge we are all very supportive. If members have not signed the pledge and Ms Bissett is nodding, try to sign it. It is going to take a big effort to get what needs to happen over the line. There is a second part to today’s meeting, which the witnesses are welcome to observe from the Public Gallery. We will briefly suspend to allow the witnesses for second session of today’s meeting to take their seats. Is that agreed? Agreed.