Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Senators for what they have said, as well as for their bona fides. I hear what they have said. There was significant pre-legislative scrutiny on the Bill. This particularly impacts on young people and children. The amendments that the Senators have sought to progress is to ensure the centrality of their voice in how policy is iterated and how it is implemented.

In the response I have given, we have referenced the merit of the proposal to set up a committee. As I said, there will be further reflection from the Minister on that on Report Stage. She will revert to the Senators when it reaches Report Stage.That is the position. The Minister has been clear that she does see merit in this, and she will reflect on it. The Senator has made very fair points on the need to ensure that the voice of young people does dovetail with the work of the commission, which it should, because many young people are at the coalface of this whole area, and it is important that that is reflected in the working of the commission when it is established.