Kilkenny TD lands prestigious role as chair of new Oireachtas Committee

Kilkenny TD Kathleen Flunchion has been appointed as the new chair of the Oireachtas Children, Disability, Equality and Integration Committee.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald welcomed the local poll-topper’s appointment, pointing out that it’s the first time the party “has held this important role”.

Ms McDonald added: “Kathleen brings an immense wealth of experience to this position having sat on the committee in the last Dáil, and through her hard work and engagement as Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs.

“I have no doubt she will do an excellent job in his new role. She has consistently represented Carlow and Kilkenny with distinction, and has risen to the challenge of every position she has held.”

The Sinn Féin leader said the pandemic “has shone a spotlight on inequalities in society”, adding. “Our childcare system is broken and completely unfit for purpose, people living with disabilities continue to be failed by the state, while the inhumane system of Direct Provision needs to end.

“The Children, Disability, Equality and Integration Committee has a key role to play as we face the unprecedented challenges in trying to build a fairer society in a way which delivers recovery for all at a time of crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I want to wish Kathleen the very best in her new role.”