I thank the Senator for her work.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir.

Thank you.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I look forward to working with him and I thank him again for his work and his courtesy to me since I took office. Míle buíochas.

Are you proposing an amendment to the Order of Business, Senator?

Seanadóir Catherine Ardagh has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 18 be taken before No. 1". It was seconded by Senator Crowe. The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to take Second Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I dtús báire, cuirim fáilte roimh an Seanadóir Norris. Tá sé ag féachaint go breá. We thrive on a contest and I congratulate Senator Boyhan on his excellent presentation today but also his sterling performance as a Member of this House since we came in here together in 2016. I thank my proposer and seconder for their very kind words. I thank Senator Joe O’Reilly for his graciousness on our behalf in Fine Gael. I thank him most sincerely for the job he did as Leas-Chathaoirleach. Equally, I thank the outgoing Cathao…

Dearbhaím go sollúnta go ndéanfaidh mé, go cuí agus go dílis agus a mhéid is eol agus is cumas dom, oifig Chathaoirleach Sheanad Éireann a fheidhmiú gan scáth gan fabhar, na rialacha mar atá siad leagtha síos ag an Teach seo a chur i bhfeidhm go cothrom neamhchlaonta, ord a choimeád agus cearta agus pribhléidí Comhaltaí a chaomhnú de réir an Bhunreachta agus de réir Bhuan-Orduithe Sheanad Éireann. I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office o…

I want to build on the good work of Senator McGahon in making sure that a fitting memorial will be erected in Leinster House to remember the late Senator Fox. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. In keeping with the ethos of Seanad Éireann in promoting minority voices, I would like that Seanad Éireann during my time would in some way play a real role in promoting the human rights of all persons with disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities offers us a roadmap. To stand up for p…

I know William is watching at work. I thank my first cousin, J.J., and his wife, Nora, who have campaigned in every election with us. My second home is present - former Senator, Denis Cregan and his wife, Mary. I am their eighth child. I felt like I was always part of their family. I am joined by Dan Ryan and Enda, two friends of mine who have been with me all the time, and Ruth Lawlor, my secretary, who is not my secretary; she is my mother, my friend, my confidante, the effervescent ever-giving-out person in my l…

Just in case Members think I am going rogue already, I am just calling out names as they were indicated to me. Senator Pauline O'Reilly is next.

I wish the Senator every success in the coming weeks or month.

We wish her every health and happiness with her impending arrival. I call Senator O'Loughlin.

And yourself.

I think Father Teddy did better than either of us. Senator Martin’s calling was much more than just to the Bar. There was many a good night had in The Roost. The next speaker is Senator Cassells and I welcome his parents to the Gallery. Mr. and Mrs. Cassells are very welcome.

I thank Senator Mark Daly again for all he has done over the past two and a half years. I wish him luck this afternoon. A contest may not happen; we do not yet know. The next speaker is an Seanadóir Maria Byrne. I have a list of speakers here as long as my arm. I ask Members to bear with me.

There is no order for the speakers today. Order will be restored on the first Order of Business in the new year.

I thank Senator Byrne.