Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I compliment Senator Kate Walsh on her eloquent speech. I thank her for all her kind comments about her colleagues in the House. She has endeared herself to everyone by her generosity of spirit and her great welcome when we visited her in her lovely home. I wish her a successful career in the House and in any other House for which she may wish to stand.

I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his appointment which was a very good choice. I know he has great experience and brings great style to the office. I wish him continued success in his role as Senator. He has always been seen as one of the fairest and most honourable men in his duties and responsibilities and I know his appointment was welcomed by all sides of the House.

I warmly welcome the Minister of State, Deputy O'Malley. I was a Minister of State at his Department from 1987 to 1989. I am pleased he has been delegated responsibilities because there is nothing worse than being a Minister in a Department without having specific responsibilities. The Minister, Deputy Martin, has allocated important responsibilities to the Minister of State and his colleagues.

The former Minister of State, Tom Moffatt, served in the same position. Unfortunately, he was not returned to either House. I wish to record my admiration for him and the work he carried out as Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for older people. He was exemplary in his responsibilities and duties. I know the Leas-Chathaoirleach will agree with me because he is aware of the work Tom Moffatt carried out in the constituency of Mayo. The electorate ultimately decides in these matters, but it was not his commitment to older people or health board services that caused him to lose his seat.

I congratulate Senator Feighan on his appointment as Fine Gael spokesperson for Health and Children in the Seanad. I am delighted he has that role and that he is present. The brief has important significance as far as County Roscommon and the constituency of Longford-Roscommon is concerned. I know Senator Feighan will bring important issues, both national and local, to the forefront. All politics are local and the Senator is well aware of this fact. I am sure he will ensure the home ground is catered for in his current capacity or in whatever job he may hold in politics in future.

I extend a special warm welcome to Bob Attenbury and his wife, Joan, from Castlecoote in County Roscommon who are in the Visitors Gallery. Bob is a distinguished artist from my home town of Castlecoote.