Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am humbled, honoured and privileged to serve as Ceann Comhairle of this great State. When it was first proposed to me by Deputy Michael Lowry if I would consider a nomination from the group as Ceann Comhairle, my initial thought was how it would affect my ability to represent the people of Wexford, and whether he was serious at all. Having consulted with my team and supporters, however, they gave me a resounding endorsement and insisted I pursue the nomination. To the people of Wexford, I want to say my office is open and normal service resumes after the Christmas holidays and will be maintained and improved. To my colleagues in the Regional Group, it was a pleasure to be part of it. I thank my colleagues here today for their support. I undertake to be fair and impartial, to be even-handed and even-tempered in the Chair. To the general public, I hope to be a reforming Ceann Comhairle, like my predecessor, and make the operations of the House more relevant in terms of the way it affects people day to day. I take on board the comments today and I undertake to improve my Irish to a level that is commensurate with the office I now hold. To my staff in Wexford, I say a huge "Thank you" for all your hard work. To my family here present, I say a huge "Thank you" for your support, which has been unrelenting. I thank the Clerk of the Dáil, Mr. Peter Finnegan, and the staff of the Houses. I also thank the staff in the catering service of the Houses, which is a very important aspect of the job, and we are looked after to a very high standard. I wish to thank everybody sincerely and now get on with the proceedings of the day.

I call the Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, to make a short statement.

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