Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. He is doing vital work for our country, not just now, but in how it will shape us going forward. It is still unknown. I have no doubt that the decisions that he is making now, under enormous pressure, will help our country and society. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his forbearance and wish him well next week. I offer best wishes to my good friends who are not standing next week. I have no doubt that great people such as Senator Lawlor or others could end up back in here again in some shape or form. I never say never to these things. I thank them for their friendship, loyalty and their service to this Chamber, our country and our people. It is easier to do other things. It is not necessarily always easy to be in politics. What we are doing in this Chamber is justifying what the people decided in 2013 when they voted to retain Seanad Éireann as a second House. Every day that we are here, working on behalf of the people, it is to justify their decision and make their decision the correct decision. I wish colleagues well. Martin, the staff of the Seanad and the staff of the Houses are full of courtesy, decency and integrity, and work hard. We would not be able to do this job without them. I wish everybody well and wish everyone the best of luck next week.