While many are selected for nomination to the Seanad, it is a great honour to be a Member of this House. I was nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Associations. This organisation represents the Irish Bank Officials' Association, the Irish Distillers Staff Association, the Garda Representative Association, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, the Association of Garda Superintendents, RACO, the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, PDFORRA – the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association – the Dublin Institute of Technology Staff Association and Citibank Staff Association on the Labour Panel. I have a mandate from that organisation to articulate its views on many issues raised in this House. I will also represent to the best of my ability – as do all Senators – the views and policies of those Deputies, Senators and councillors who elected me to this House. I believe such a nominating body has a great deal of merit. I was nominated to the Labour Panel and am a trade union member. I am also a member of other associations.