Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I am sorry for having messed up the Order of Business, but I am overwhelmed by the affection of the House, which has really touched me. As I said at the time, I accepted the award in the same way as a captain of a team does, as a tribute to the forum and to everyone connected with it. Senator Brian Hayes said I was a modest man, and he is quite right. I would only have added that I have much to be modest about. I have benefited enormously from membership of the Seanad, the collegiality I find here and the nature of the debates. It has enriched my life. I have also benefited from your kindness on all occasions, a Chathaoirligh, and I sincerely thank the Members for their kind expressions. As I said, I am glad it is the forum that is being recognised. It was an important development because it has done important work. I was very glad to be associated with it and to be able to lead it.