Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Children are a very important part of our society and the House must address issues concerning them. The case for this is self-standing.

I welcome the establishment of the committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. There is no indication yet of the intent of the commencement of this committee. When will the committee be constituted? Have Members of Parliament from north of the Border signalled their acceptance of the opportunity to participate? I hope there will be a willingness to participate by all political views north of the Border.

In my first five years in the House I served on the Select Committee on the Environment and Local Government and during the previous Dáil on the Select Committee on Finance and the Public Service. I express my appreciation of the committee secretariats and of the support staff who serviced committees during the ten years of my experience. In every way they were hugely accommodating and helpful. I record my thanks to them and I am sure I reflect the thanks and appreciation of all Members.

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