Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I offer my sincere congratulations to Senator Kiely on his election as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and wish him every success. I also pay tribute to the former Cathaoirleach, Brian Mullooly, for his excellent service to the House over 21 years. He will be sadly missed but he played a great role and I wish himself and his family every happiness in his retirement. I congratulate the new Leader of the House, Senator O'Rourke, who will bring tremendous experience to her role. We are very fortunate to have her here and I wish her every success in her term as Leader of this very important institution of State. I also extend my best wishes to Chief Whip, Senator Moylan, and others appointed to various important roles in this House.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and wish him every success. I have no doubt he will bring tremendous experience to his task in the Department of Health and Children. I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Roche. As Senator Higgins said, he is putting tremendous effort into this particular campaign and it was a very good decision by the Taoiseach and the Government to appoint him as Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs.