Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

As Government Whip I welcome our new Members and the new Leader and wish them well. It may be short-term but with the help of God some of them will be back. I express my thanks to the deputy Whip, Senator Glynn, and to Senator Cummins, Whip on the main Opposition side, for their help and co-operation during the past five years and also to our former Leader, Deputy O'Rourke, who has been elected to the Dáil. I wish her well in the future. I thank also Eamonn McCormack from her office and Sarah Kelly from my own office for their help and co-operation.

As I did not realise Senator Finucane was not standing again I wish him well in his retirement. He has made a major contribution in the Seanad. I thank also the Deputy Leader, Senator Dardis, and his fellow Progressive Democrats Senators for their help and co-operation during the term. I thank the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach for their outstanding contributions to the House during the past five years. It is disappointing that long-serving Senators, such as Senators Henry, Bohan and Daly are not standing. Senator Daly has been a member of this or the other House since 1973 and has given a lifetime of public service to the people in his constituency and the people of this country. I thank also Senator Hayes who has been very helpful to me. I wish them all well. I thank particularly the staff, Deirdre Lane and Jody Blake, for their help and co-operation. I wish all Members who are seeking re-election to this House in the forthcoming election well. I thank everyone for their help and co-operation.