Seán Kyne
Galway West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency.”
“In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed.”
“Both blocks A and B are primarily bed-based accommodation, supported by well-established HSE guidance and standard approval layouts. Considering the loss of a number of years in Galway, would the Minister see merit in engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on fast-tracking these design stages?”
“De réir MARA, má tá daoine ag baint agus ag bailiú feamainne le haghaidh úsáid tráchtála, nó méid mór le haghaidh úsáid pearsanta, ní mór dóibh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadúnas úsáide ó MARA. Tá na rudaí seo fíorthábhachtach. Níl sé soiléir céard atá ag teastáil ó bhainteoirí feamainne.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I welcome the fact that he expects the MPPS to be brought to the Government in the coming weeks. May I assume, therefore, that MARA is not granting licences pending the MPPS? Is that in abeyance? Is there a formal process?”
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Every one of 1,542 lines we hold for Seán Kyne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 31 of 31.
“People became afraid to go out and socialise. They were prohibited, for starters, but they became afraid to meet. They became unaccustomed to it and to engaging as part of society. It is certainly a topic worthy of debate. Senator Ruane spoke about the Committee on Drugs Use. I will seek an update. There is always work to be done in that area but if a short period of time is needed, I see no issue with it being brought back. It is vital that it be. Senator Andrews spoke of the running battles, as he called them, in parts of Dublin. The Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, has given a commitment to come to the House next Tuesday, I understand, to talk on justice issues concerning the inner cities and street crime. Senator McDowell wished Ivan Farmer well on leaving the Seanad to go to Brussels and I join with him in that.”
“We can imagine those issues affecting teenagers. As I have always said, once the picture is taken and put out there, it is not going to come back. Young people need to be aware of the dangers of sending explicit pictures of themselves because, as I said, they cannot take them back. It is a real threat. Senator Noel O'Donovan spoke about serving the public in his previous role as a member of An Garda Síochána, in his role as a county councillor and now as a Seanadóir. He raised the issue of loneliness. I acknowledge the work of former Senator Keith Swanick, who published a report titled A Connected Island - an Ireland free from loneliness. I was at the launch a number of years ago during a previous term. It is a very important issue. We have always had it but it has been exacerbated by Covid-19 and the changes at that time.”
“Again, it might be worth submitting a Commencement matter on the issue to talk directly with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on the absence of a hub and the long journeys involved. For example, under the cancer strategy many people are coming to Galway, which is a long journey. For the work that would take place in surgical hubs, which deal with more minor procedures, it would make sense that such a facility be provided in the north west. Senators Rabbitte and Mullen spoke about cyber security, digital safety, health in education and an online safety programme. I will try to get a debate on this. It is an issue that is hugely important, not just in schools. We know about the fake AI pictures that were used during the general election. There is a real issue in relation to cyber security. It affects real people.”
“Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about hydrogenated vegetable oil, HVO, and the cost. It is valuable in terms of an alternative to fossil fuels. There are about 90% less emissions from HVO versus fossil fuel. It could play a very important role. I suggest that the Senator submit a Commencement matter and see whether the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, would be open to those suggestions. He tends not to pre-empt budgets or make announcements prior to the budget. However, if something is done, it will be in the context of the budget. Senator Manus Boyle talked about the surgical hubs which are coming on stream over the coming period. One opened in Mount Carmel hospital in the last week or so and progress has been made on other centres. The Senator spoke about the lack of such a facility in County Donegal and the north west.”
“Projects in Craughwell and Clarinbridge have not progressed, even though they were funded out of that pilot scheme. I am sure that is the case in many other countries as well. I will seek an update on that. Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of search and rescue. He has been dogged over the past number of years on this very important issue. Unfortunately, we now see a lack of cover. Whether that is going to be remedied in the short term or not, the old contractor is fulfilling the new contractor's responsibilities. That certainly has to be kept under surveillance, as it were, to ensure that is rectified as soon as possible. I will raise the matter with the Minister to ensure the Department keeps a vigilant eye. I acknowledge the Senator's ongoing work on that issue.”
“In the olden days, there used to be more on-site treatment in housing estates which worked to a degree but had a lot of legacy issues. In Galway, those seem to have been ruled out and permission will not be granted unless there is a wastewater treatment. While good work has been done in the past 15 to 20 years, in a county the size of Galway there are obviously critical issues, including in the Senator's area. This was discussed at the Oireachtas committee on housing, or the housing subcommittee, during the week on foot of the issues the Senator raised. He also raised them with the Tánaiste. There are real issues here. The good news is that there were two pilot schemes in Galway and two in many counties throughout the country. However, there was a lack of progress thereafter.”
“International Women's Day is coming up soon. That might be an opportunity to invite the Minister to the House to talk about women's health. As the Senator said, the former Minister, Stephen Donnelly, did a lot of good work over recent years. I will invite his successor, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to the House to see what plans she has. The issues the Senator outlined are real. There have been commitments and it is regrettable that there are issues in sourcing the product. I will try to get an update on that. I congratulate Senator P.J. Murphy, who spoke about the issues in south Galway in relation to settlements. We know the importance and necessity of critical infrastructure. We cannot build housing developments, be they of eight, ten, 20 or 100 houses, without wastewater treatment plants.”
“Beidh mé sásta an méad atá an Seanadóir ag lorg a dhéanamh. Senator Flaherty spoke about the long-term illness scheme and the expansion thereof, on which I will try to get an update. He also spoke about Jude Flynn from his community, who, unfortunately, passed away. It sounds as though great work is being done in collecting his recordings for posterity. Senators Collins and Cosgrove spoke about section 39 workers within the disability sector. The Minister, Deputy Foley, has stated this is an urgent priority, so we will try to get her into the House to talk about the issue. It is very important and there has been great concern for some time regarding the disparity with other workers. No part of the State should feel less valued than another for doing the same job. Senator Comyn spoke about HRT and called for a debate on the issue.”
“I will ask An Tánaiste to come to the House to talk about it at the earliest opportunity. It is an issue of great concern among people. Luaigh an Seanadóir Ní Chuilinn na feachtais atá ar siúl ag grúpaí áitiúla maidir le Gaelcholáistí do Bhaile Átha Cliath 2, 4, 6 agus 8 agus do Bhaile Átha Cliath 12, an ceantar ina bhfuil an Seanadóir féin ina cónaí. Tá sí ag lorg go dtiocfadh an tAire Oideachais, an Teachta McEntee, os comhair an tSeanaid chun na fadhbanna, na deiseanna agus na dúshláin atá anseo a phlé. Beidh mé sásta é sin a dhéanamh. Tá a fhios agam go raibh cinneadh déanta ag an iarAire maidir le Gaelcholáiste ach gur thit rudaí as a chéile. Is mór an trua gur tharla sé sin ach tharla sé agus caithfidh an Roinn agus pátrún na scoile déileáil anois leis na fadhbanna a bhaineann leis an ábhar sin.”
“I will see if I can get an update on when that might be pushed through. This is a very important area. The Senator also talked about student housing. There has been investment in different parts of the country and there is support for and acknowledgement of the technological universities. Where student accommodation is built on university lands, it is an asset and alleviates rental pressures in the housing market. The more investment there is in student accommodation, the better, and we have seen some good progress on that. Senator Black touched on her own work on the occupied territories Bill. If ever anybody wanted to know about the work of the Seanad and individual Senators, her work on the occupied territories Bill is to be acknowledged and commended. She wants to see the Bill progressed.”
“A number of people have called for debates on a variety of special education issues such as speech and language therapy and waiting lists for assessments, which Senator Joe O'Reilly spoke about. We will try to bring in the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to debate these issues. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Seanadóir Joe Conway agus cuirim fáilte chuig an Seanad roimhe. He spoke on matters regarding rural education in primary and DEIS schools. I will try to get in the Minister of State at some stage to talk about these issues. It is an important area. Senator Harmon talked about overcrowded accommodation for international students, scamming and the unfortunate situation of students, mainly female, being propositioned. There is a commitment on this matter in the programme for Government.”
“Senator Duffy referred to football and the League of Ireland. We wish Shamrock Rovers well in their endeavours in Europe. The Senator called for investment in football at grassroots level. The sports capital fund, which was relaunched by his fellow countyman, Michael Ring, as Minister after the downturn, has laid foundations in many clubs throughout the country but there is a need for ongoing investment in the League of Ireland in terms of clubs' facilities and making it attractive to attend matches. The Senator also acknowledged the benefits that all sports, including the League of Ireland, had to local economies. He called for a debate on that and I will see what I can do. Senator Tully raised the issue of special education and the lack of appropriate school places, which is an ongoing issue.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. We started with Senator O'Loughlin, who spoke about the highs and, unfortunately, lows of sporting life. We acknowledge the great success of Sam Prendergast and Michael Noonan, but we also remember the tragic loss of Michael O'Sullivan and John Cooney. Galway endured a double tragedy this week in light of the loss of Michael Coleman, a former all-Ireland hurling star. We certainly remember them here today. She also spoke about the excellent work being done by LAMA and the AILG in supporting the work of councillors and about councillors supporting work in their communities. She talked about good practice and has asked for a debate on day care centres which play an important role for elderly people. I will ask for a debate on that matter.”
“4, whichever is the later, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, time may be shared, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1 and No. 2, motions regarding the election of Leas-Chathaoirleach, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to be discussed together; No. 3, motion regarding arrangements for the taking of Commencement matters, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 2; No. 4, motion regarding the restoration of Bills to the Order Paper, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 3; No. 5, a motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a youth experience scheme, to be taken at 5 p.m. or on the conclusion of No.”
“Being a Minister is a significant responsibility and one can see from time to time when issues arise and things go wrong, as they do - they will go wrong for somebody, mark my words, and I hope it is not the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins - that a Minister will be under pressure within the Department and from the Opposition. The pressures, including those on families, are huge. We have seen good people who, unfortunately, have had to resign from office as a result of the pressures and stresses of their positions, things they did, things they did not do or things they did in the past coming back to haunt them. There are significant responsibilities on everybody within this House, everybody in the other House and those in government who have been lucky enough to get positions as Ministers or Ministers of State.”
“On the allowances, it stands to reason that, if one is getting a promotion in any walk of life, one is compensated for that. I was lucky enough to attend the Cabinet as Government Chief Whip for a number of years. As it happens, I did not get an allowance because it was not legislated for, and we did not push through legislation for that matter. It is important that the three Galway super juniors - Deputies Naughton, Grealish and Canney - and the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, get the additional allowance for attendance at Cabinet that I did not get. It is important they receive it because it is additional work and responsibility, including Cabinet responsibilities, and an additional overnight in Dublin the night before a Cabinet meeting. I welcome the Bill.”
“I will not dwell on those now, but had there been a Minister of State with responsibility for inland fisheries in the previous Government, we would have had the oversight that was necessary to manage the issues within the sector. That is absolutely the case. The then Minister, Mr. Ryan, had responsibility for two Departments but had no Minister of State within either with responsibility for communications, natural resources and inland fisheries. Had there been a Minister of State, as there will be now within the Department of the marine in the form of Deputy Timmy Dooley, there would be oversight and a go-to person to link in with that important issue. This is just one example. There are many other sectors equally, more or perhaps less important, but oversight would be required.”
“It is important to note an ongoing issue, namely, whether Ministers of State actually get their responsibilities and delegated functions. It goes through the Cabinet for approval, so it is important that they get them. I would suggest that Ministers of State should be involved in budget negotiations with their Ministers concerning the issues they handle and that they be a vital part of the management board meetings that take place within each Department from time to time with the Secretary General, assistant principal officers and so on. As the Cathaoirleach knows well, I often raised issues pertaining to Inland Fisheries Ireland during the previous Seanad.”
“I was lucky enough to serve in the other House for two terms and, as a Minister of State and Chief Whip, I attended Cabinet. The responsibilities given to Ministers of State are delegated responsibilities, namely, legal responsibilities, and the requests that the Ministers make of them. Sometimes, that involves heading over to Brussels or some other location in Europe to attend sectoral meetings relevant to their Departments. The amount of time spent on these things can be quite high. The former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, commented on the change from his first term as Taoiseach to his second term of Taoiseach being exponential in terms of the amount of foreign travel. That is just indicative of the greater role of Europe. It is therefore necessary to have more Ministers of State to carry out this work.”
“When one has sectoral groups seeking additional and improved attendance at Cabinet to champion their sectoral interests, it is understandable that there would be a request for more Ministers of State. I meant to say that I wished to share time with Senator Joe O'Reilly. Is that okay?”
“I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on his appointment as Minister for public expenditure and reform. I support this legislation. Reference has been made to the fact that government is becoming more complex and that responsibilities are ever increasing. It was interesting during the preparation of our party's manifesto to note the number of sectoral groups that came in with very reasonable pitches but many of which sought a stand-alone Minister of State or even a stand-alone Minister at Cabinet to deal with the specific issues they had. That is in some ways understandable but the constitutional limitation on the number of Cabinet Ministers is 15. That cannot change without a referendum of the people. While that could be a consideration in future, that is the limit as matters stand.”
“I hope to see time set aside to debate this at the earliest opportunity. Everyone has communities that were affected by the damage done, and the impact on our communications and the ESB. There are lessons regarding the establishment of hubs, generators, vulnerable people and people being left in isolation. There are a lot of challenges that were seen during Storm Éowyn. Many people did a lot of great work but we need to ensure that if a storm like that happens again, that as a country, as a community, as local authorities and as Government Departments, there is better preparation and better response as well. I will try to arrange that debate at the earliest opportunity.”
“Senator Nicole Ryan spoke about the means testing for carers, and again this is something that all parties, and certainly the programme for Government, have accepted needs to change. We have to see when that can be put in place, whether on a phased basis or directly. I will request that the Minister will come in to talk about that issue as well. Finally, and I hope I did not leave anyone out, Senator Sarah O'Reilly, first, made a contribution about Anthony Waldron. May he rest in peace. She also talked about Storm Éowyn and its impact on her communities. A lot of people have spoken on Storm Éowyn. Lessons definitely have to be learned. If we had another storm, God forbid, in a month's time that was of the same severity, what would be different? What lessons would be learned?”
“They called for a task force or indeed a review on the whole issue of Storm Éowyn, which is a sensible idea as well. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins has sought a debate on forestry with respect to our planting regime and policy, and bringing more biodiversity into Coillte and private forestry plantations. Again, if we have a debate on forestry, that is something we will bring into the debate. Senator Higgins also called for a debate on international and national law and obligations, the occupied territories Bill, and different regulations that are possibly under threat. I will certainly request, at the earliest opportunity, a contribution from the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on these issues as well.”
“Senator Craughwell, who spoke on Storm Éowyn, also talked about search and rescue. I know he has raised this on numerous occasions, and it is very regrettable to see that there are operational issues from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Shannon and along the west coast. That is not good enough, and certainly the Minister should be in a position to look into that and see why the contract is not being fulfilled. Senator Lynch talked about adult disability day services and the funding for those. It is a very important issue, and I will certainly request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, with regard to disability services. A number of Senators raised the issue of forestry, some with regard to Storm Éowyn. Senators Brady and Flaherty both raised issues relating to harvesting and trees being felled in storms.”
“I hope, once we get Commencement debates up and running, we will try to get six of them per day for a period of time to allow Members to raise a number of issues, as we are starting afresh. That might be a topic as well. Senator Cathal Byrne spoke about flooding in Enniscorthy. Flooding is such a difficult issue for communities. We see people in housing estates and businesses helpless with regard to the work. Obviously, there are bigger issues with regard to the cause of flooding, why it is happening and the solutions to flooding, whether they be soft or hard solutions. I will certainly request, in time, a debate with the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, or again, the Senator can put down a Commencement matter at a future date on that issue.”
“I know we have gone through different phases of impact on businesses and also on families with regard to insurance costs. I know there was a job of work done by previous Ministers to try to change the book of quantum and different things, so it is regrettable to see that the possible costs are going to rise again to that level, which would hugely impact businesses. Senator Davitt raised our colleague Senator Conway. I have been in contact with him. He is getting help and I am sure he will be back in this House in due course. I am sure he will make his own contribution on issues at that stage. Senator Andrews has raised issues regarding the rejuvenation of flat complexes. If he has specific issues between Dublin City Council and the Department of housing, they can certainly be raised as a Commencement debate.”
“I ask her to submit a request for a Commencement debate on that matter at the earliest opportunity. It might be the best way to get a quick response, subject to the approval of the Cathaoirleach's office. The Senator also referred to the BIMM music college, with which I am not familiar. She may contact the Minister for arts and culture and submit a request for a Commencement debate on the issue. She also talked about public transport issues. I will try to reach out to one of the Ministers or Ministers of State with responsibility for public transport services. Senator Nelson Murray mentioned Retail Excellence Ireland and also the increases in personal injury guidelines and the cost of business. I will certainly request that the Minister come in to raise the issues regarding insurance.”
“Despite the supports that are available, they may not be in a financial position to have the wider works done. It might be better to submit a request for Commencement debate if the Cathaoirleach’s office is able to get the Minister involved. There are always issues in this respect because the Minister does not have direct responsibility in the SEAI. However, we will try that as a first port of call. Senator Ní Chuilinn gave a personal testimony about her brother Cormac and spoke about the issue of dual-diagnosis when there are mental health and substance abuse disorders. This is very worthy of debate and I will certainly request that as well. Senator Harmon raised a number of issues, including the proposed privatisation of Bord na Móna Recycling.”
“She spoke about her friends, Fiona, Nicola and Ziva, young women who were diagnosed at a young age with breast cancer. It is a very serious issue. We had a Private Members' debate in the last Seanad on cancer services. One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetimes and one in three of us will die of it. We hope those statistics will continue to change in the positive but at present those are the statistics. It is a very serious issue. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister for Health on that matter. Senator Murphy O’Mahony asked for the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, to come in to discuss the SEAI boiler grants. This issue has often been brought up in my office by people who just want their boiler replaced than having to go to the expense and hassle of a full retrofit.”
“I commend An Garda Síochána on its very rapid response. Thankfully things did not escalate. As this matter is before the courts, I do not want to talk about it. In respect of crime and threats, we will ask the Minister for Justice, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan, to come to the House at the earliest opportunity. Senator Keogan spoke about councillor numbers and representation. It is part of the programme for Government to review the possibility of restoring town councils for larger towns and to look at representation across the country. There will be a job of work on that. In time, I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, to come here to talk about that. Senator Costello gave a heartfelt contribution regarding her own journey with breast cancer.”
“Senators Noonan, Tully, Sarah O’Reilly, Craughwell and Rabbitte raised the issue of Storm Éowyn. I will request a debate on this very important topic at the earliest opportunity. I believe all Senators would like to contribute. I do not know which Ministers are most responsible and should be invited in, as there have been changes to Departments. There has been an impact on communications with the ESB, Eir and broadband services, on humanitarian aid and on social protection. We will try to organise to bring in the Ministers who can give the best responses. Senators Fitzpatrick and Maria Byrne raised issues relating to small businesses, such as dereliction and Garda presence. I will certainly request a debate on these important issues. Senator Fitzpatrick raised the very unfortunate matter of what took place in Stoneybatter last week.”
“It is important that those services are restored. Senator Boyhan requested a debate on local government, in the context of centralisation, and the powers of local councillors. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, who is a former Member of this House and of a local authority, to come here to debate this subject once he is settled in. I am not sure whether he has got his delegation of functions yet. Certainly, our local councillors brought many important issues to our attention during the campaign and they continue to make requests. I will certainly request that debate. Senator Conor Murphy made a contribution on all-Ireland economic matters. He spoke about all-Ireland trade missions, the growth of the all-Ireland economy and the role of InterTradeIreland. He requested a debate which I will certainly seek in time.”
“Senators Cosgrove and Duffy spoke about the western railway corridor, of which I am a big supporter. I have worked on it in the past with my colleague, Councillor Peter Feeney, who was one of the founding members of West on Track. Many people across the west, such as Colmán Ó Raghallaigh and Councillor Michael Connolly in County Galway, have done great work in support of the western rail corridor. I would like to see that established. I will try to organise a debate on public transport and an alternative debate on road transport. Senator Cosgrove spoke about the catering trolley on Iarnród Éireann services. I will endeavour to contact the organisation about that. I am not sure what the latest update is. I know there were debates on this subject in the past and the slow response is hard to fathom.”
“There is a commitment to ensure there is a refuge in every county and that is an important issue. Senator O’Loughlin also asked for a debate on housing and alternatives to refuges. The former Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, did a lot of work on the establishment of Cuan, the gender-based violence organisation, which is getting down to work and has an important role to play. Senators Ahearn, Cosgrove and Duffy spoke about transport issues, including public transport and roads. They sought meetings or debates with the Minister for Transport on a number of issues. Senator Ahearn is a strong advocate for the N24, which runs from Limerick to Waterford through County Tipperary. Again, it is important that we get progression updates on projects like that.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business, particularly the first-time speakers who made their maiden contributions and thanked the electorate and their families and friends for the honour of being elected here. Senator O’Loughlin discussed the issues of displacement and the Eyre Powell centre in Newbridge. I hope that alternatives are found, or at least that there can be remediation of that facility, because it sounds like it is a valuable part of the community. When children are in State education, they are a part of the community and deserve to be treated as such. The Senator also raised issues of violence against women, as did Senator Stephenson. Senator O’Loughlin spoke about the importance of refuges, many of which are full, as emergency centres.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Bill - all Stages, to be taken at 12.15 p.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister in the debate on Second Stage not to exceed ten minutes and those of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and time may be shared, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate, and Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the sittings of the Seanad until Tuesday, 25th February, 2025: (a) Standing Orders 31 and 32 shall stand suspended; (b) The Order of Business shall be proposed at the commencement of business on each day the Seanad sits up to that date; (c) The ordinary routine of business shall resume on 25th February, 2025.”
“I also remember those who, unfortunately, were not re-elected or elected. It can be a gruelling campaign to be on the road but it is a privilege to serve. We should never forget the privilege and the opportunities we have garnered from that. I look forward to working with the Cathaoirleach over the coming years and indeed with all Members of this House in the business and day-to-day running of the House.”
“I acknowledge the former Cathaoirleach, Deputy Jerry Buttimer, and congratulate him on his appointment as Minister of State. I remember as well the outgoing Leader of the House, Lisa Chambers, on her retirement from politics. I also acknowledge Paddy Burke, the outgoing father of the House, and congratulate Senator Wilson on assuming the office of father of the House. Senator Wilson mentioned five Senators from Cavan. We from Galway can beat that. We have myself and Senator P. J. Murphy, Senator Ollie Crowe, Senator Rónán Mullen, Senator Craughwell, Senator Higgins and Senator Curley from the great County of Galway. I am not sure if anyone can surpass that. Do not mind the Dubs. And with Senator Rabbitte there are eight of us; excellent. I congratulate all Members elected to this House. It is a great honour.”
“I congratulate you on your appointment, a Chathaoirligh, and wish you every success in the coming years. I acknowledge your family and the presence of your father. All the members of your family have assisted you so much. I recognise the Cathaoirleach as somebody who has a great love of this institution. He is an institutionalist in respecting the constitutional role of this institution. He had a number of innovations in his previous term as Cathaoirleach and I am sure there are more to come in that regard. He has developed strong links with and has a great affinity for the United States of America. I certainly hope those links will be of use over the coming years in what could be turbulent times. I wish him well in those and in the Irish-American caucus which he has worked so hard on as well.”