Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Tá scéala faighte agam ó Cheann Comhairimh Toghcháin an Uachtaráin a chur in iúl dom go ndearna sí, an 29 Deireadh Fómhair 2011, a dhearbhú Michael D. Higgins a bheith tofa ina Uachtarán ar Éirinn.

I have received a communication from the presidential election returning officer informing me that she has, on 29 October 2011, declared Michael D. Higgins to have been elected President of Ireland.

I take the opportunity to warmly congratulate the President-elect, Mr. Michael D. Higgins. He was first nominated to this House by the then Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, in 1973 and also served with great distinction in the 17th Seanad from 1983 to 1987 where he excelled in his contributions on matters of social justice and equality. He used the House to highlight many humanitarian issues in places such as Nicaragua and El Salvador. On my behalf and on behalf of the House, I wish him, his wife, Sabina, and family every best wish for his term as the ninth President of Ireland. It is appropriate that the leaders of the various groups and parties in the Seanad be allowed to make a brief statement to express their good wishes.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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On my behalf and on behalf of the House, I warmly congratulate Mr. Michael D. Higgins on his election as the ninth President of Ireland. Following a long and distinguished career in Dáil and Seanad Éireann, Mr. Michael D. Higgins brings to the Office of President a wealth of experience and knowledge that will render him an excellent President and ambassador for Ireland. Over the course of his long and distinguished career as a poet, scholar, academic and public servant, including as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr. Michael D. Higgins has made a significant contribution over the years. He is equally well known as a champion of causes of social justice and equality both nationally and internationally. I had the experience of working with him on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and I know him to be a man of integrity and intellect, qualities that will serve him well in his new role as Uachtarán na hÉireann. The combination of his considerable experience and passionate commitment to social justice are exactly the attributes we need in our Head of State. I have no doubt that Mr. Michael D. Higgins will make a very valuable contribution to the Office of President over the next seven years.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I wish to clarify that is just party group leaders to speak now, but other Senators may be able to speak briefly on the follow up.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Gabhaim comhghairdeas le Michael D. Ó hUigínn mar Uachtarán tofa na hÉireann. I had the pleasure of serving with him on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and I agree wholeheartedly with the Leader of the House. His record in human rights and standing up for those who need our assistance, the weaker people in our society and across the world is exceptional. I have no doubt that he will perform his duties as President to the highest level of his ability and will do us all proud. He has had a distinguished career in both Houses - the Seanad and Dáil. Given how he conducted himself during the presidential election campaign, and as a legislator and a champion for the oppressed, it is clear he will do our country proud. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I wish him well on taking up his post on Friday. I have no doubt that he will be an excellent President and will continue the excellent work done by an tUachtarán, Mary McAleese, and her predecessor, Mary Robinson.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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I join the Cathaoirleach and the other party leaders in congratulating Mr. Michael D. Higgins, our ninth President. He has had a long and distinguished career in both the Seanad and Dáil as well as in the Cabinet and representing Ireland abroad in different capacities. I am particularly proud to stand here and welcome his election on behalf of the Labour group of Senators. Each of the 12 Labour Senators nominated Mr. Michael D. Higgins personally. He was nominated by Labour Oireachtas Members and as a party we are very happy to have nominated him. As he said at the count in Dublin Castle, he will of course be a President for all the people. I know he will be a President of whom we will all be proud, not just those who canvassed for him, but also those who did not and supported others. He will be a President who will make us all proud and will represent Ireland abroad with dignity, integrity and honour. I am very proud to be able to welcome his election. I wish him, his wife, Sabina, and their family very well.

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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Along with my colleagues in the Independent group extend warm congratulations to the President elect, Mr. Michael D. Higgins, known affectionately throughout Ireland as Michael D. No doubt, he is inspired by his love of poetry, the arts and the Irish language. Michael D. Higgins was an innovative and visionary Minister for the Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. He has been a consistent champion of human rights and social justice and equality in Ireland and internationally. Michael D. Higgins is currently adjunct professor of the Irish Centre for Human Rights in Galway and along with the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Attorney General is a past student of NUI Galway. He has spoken of the importance of inter-generational solidarity and of the important role young people will play in his Presidency as he works to shape Ireland's future. He has also indicated his intention to focus on young people on the margins of society, in particular those in institutional care and to visit normally closed institutions.

I believe these are excellent signals for his Presidential term. I wish him the best in his well deserved role as Uachtarán na hÉireann.

David Norris (Independent)
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Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil le Micheál D. Ó hUiginn, Uachtarán tofa, lena bhean chéile, Sabina, agus lena chlann go léir. I am pleased our ninth President will be, Michael D. Higgins, a friend of many years standing.

I got to know Michael D. Higgins through our mutual friend, the late Dr. Noel Browne. Michael D. Higgins and I were the only two public representatives to attend the funeral of Dr. Browne in Galway, which I thought quite extraordinary. Perhaps that is because the late Dr. Noel Browne, Michael D. Higgins and I stand for the liberal agenda. I am glad that those who did not want a liberal as President now find themselves somewhat discomforted. There is no doubt but that Michael D. Higgins comes from the great liberal tradition that cherishes equality, human rights, decency and fair treatment for all citizens. He is also a thinker. I was dismayed to hear people suggest during the election campaign that philosophers and philosophy were all wrong and were somehow above or beneath the Irish people. I believe the Irish people have a deep hunger for wise ideas which they and I believe we get from Michael D. Higgins.

I am glad that 67% of my second preference votes went to Michael D. Higgins. That helped to get him elected. As far as I am concerned that was the positive element of the entire election process. If one looks back at Michael D. Higgins's record, he epitomises excellent and unique qualities in Ireland, in particular his devotion to the Irish language, which is not just lip-service. Michael D. is a fluent and beautiful speaker and writer of the Irish language. He is also a poet, a thinker, an academic and a person who probes ideas and is not afraid of examining them, which is extremely important for this country at this time.

Michael D. Higgins will be a great President, one with an interest in human rights and equality. He is also always gentlemanly. There was very little that was unpleasant or unsavoury in the discussions between the candidates of the Presidential election, although I cannot say that in respect of all sections of society.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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We cannot discuss the election campaign now.

David Norris (Independent)
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No. Throughout the entire campaign, Michael D. Higgins behaved with graciousness, dignity and generosity, which is a good indication of the manner in which he will behave as President of Ireland. I look forward to attending his inauguration.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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On behalf of the Sinn Féin Party, I extend a warm comhghairdeas to Michael D. Higgins, whom I believe will be an outstanding President for all the people of Ireland. I have no doubt that he will bring his unique qualities and attributes to the job of President. He will most certainly be a President of whom we can all be proud. It is hoped he will be a President that will inspire people, in particular young people. Given the current situation in which we find ourselves we need leaders to inspire. I believe Michael D. Higgins is one such leader. I am proud the Irish people voted in large numbers for Michael D. Higgins and that he will be our President. As I stated, I have no doubt he will be an outstanding President for this country and for people outside of Ireland, including the Irish diaspora in whom I know Michael D. Higgins has a fond interest.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have notice from Senator Deirdre Clune that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to introduce a price level below which alcohol products cannot be sold.

I have also received notice from Senator Mark Daly of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Finance to clarify the position on corporation tax and the proposal for a Council directive on a common consolidated corporate tax base in light of the Dáil select committee's report under Standing Order 105 of 17 May 2011.

I have also received notice from Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh of the following matter:

Go dtabharfaidh an tAire Gaeltachta soiléiriú maidir le todhchaí Arramara teo., cé na páirtithe a bhfuil plé dhá dhéanamh leo ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le forbairt na comhlachta, cén infheistíocht a dhéanfaidh an tÚdarás féin agus an bhfuil plé dhá dhéanamh le lucht bainte feamainne maidir le scairshailbheoireacht sa chomhlacht agus leas iadsan i bhforbairt an tionscail chomh maith.

I have also received notice from Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to issue any outstanding payments to all farmers over the coming days given the financial pressure which delayed payments are having on farm families.

I have also received notice from Senator David Cullinane of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to discuss the progress that has been made in designating Waterford Institute of Technology as a university and the importance of this for the south-east region.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Clune, Daly, Ó Domhnaill and Ó Clochartaigh and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senator Cullinane may give notice on another day of the matter he wishes to raise.