Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Social Democrats, and it is a very proud moment even to be able to say that, I would like to congratulate you warmly, a Cheann Comhairle. It was very important that there was a contest - I even toyed with the idea of entering it myself - and a secret ballot.

The authority that comes from the Dáil electing the Ceann Comhairle is very important. We saw that over the past four years. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl has very definitely been a reforming Ceann Comhairle. Any of us who sat on the Sub-Committee on Dáil Reform, which he chaired, and considered the substantial changes made to Standing Orders, which may seem like a very dry subject, saw that this was done in a collaborative way and, as a result, that Dáil was much more inclusive than had previously been the case. For example, the previous Dáil was the first to have real control of its agenda, which is set out in the Constitution, but this was the first time it happened in practice. That was very important.

As a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, I witnessed the Ceann Comhairle's work as chairman on behalf the Oireachtas in its totality. The challenges that face the country face this Chamber, those in government and opposition. The tone of the debate is very often set by the Chair. That has been one of the Ceann Comhairle's best attributes. We have known each other a long time because we sat on a county council together for many years, as well as sharing this Chamber. I wish him well. We know that the Chair is in good hands.

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