Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

I extend my thanks to the Leas-Chathaoirleach and my appreciation to the Cathaoirleach, who is retiring, and the staff of the House for the co-operation and guidance I have received over the past five years. I also express thanks to the people of Clare who elected me as their representative in 1973 and supported me in successive elections. I also express gratitude to the electorate for the Seanad who gave me the opportunity to represent them in this forum, which I deeply appreciate.

As an innocent bystander I convey my good wishes to all Members going forward in the election. It will be a very difficult election and there may be many casualties and successes. I wish candidates from all sides of the House success and I look forward to watching the performances of the next Seanad on television.

There have been opportunities in this House to express the necessity for Seanad reform. I support that fully and it is necessary to have major reform in the Seanad. Within the confines of legislation regarding the House as it is established, there is ample opportunity to bring forward innovative and constructive proposals, legislative and otherwise. Even within those confines, the Seanad is in a position to make a major contribution to the advancement of political life in Ireland.

I welcome the opportunity to thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the staff of the House and all those who made life very good for me for the past 34 years or so.