John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I join with other Leaders in thanking the Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the way in which they conducted proceedings during the past term. As always, they have been even-handed and fair and have attempted to accommodate everybody. I thank the Leader, in particular, for her work, much of which is unseen. It is a tribute to Eamonn that the House runs smoothly. We are fortunate in that an increasing amount of legislation is initiated in the Seanad, a welcome development which the Leader has progressed. It is not easy to bring Ministers here but requires a lot of hard work. Eamonn deserves credit for the extensive efforts he makes behind the scenes.

I also join in the tributes made to all the other people, including, the ushers and the Clerk's office. I have made the point in the past and I repeat it now that there is an increasing burden of work being put on the Clerk's office by her statutory duties, such as, her involvement in the electoral commission. That imposes a lot of pressure on the staff and it is remarkable that they produce amendments quickly and efficiently without the need for re-drafting.

With regard to the Office of the Editor of Debates, I was critical of that area in the past but it is excellent now in terms of the speed at which accurate reports of proceedings are made available on the Internet for everybody to see.