Margaret Cox (Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to say thanks to a couple of people. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the staff of the Seanad and all those in the Seanad Office who have been so wonderfully kind to me on many occasions.

I have been a Member of the House for ten years, during which time I gave birth to three children. I spent a great deal of time in the Seanad and I have many memories to take with me. The Seanad is a great place and I thank all of the colleagues with whom I worked during my time here. I wish everyone going forward for re-election the best of luck. In particular, I wish those who are retiring and who have shared these ten years with me the very best of luck in whatever they decide to do because it is a big thing to say goodbye and to move on, but move on we do. I will certainly move on with wonderful memories of my time here and the people who work here, including the ushers, the people in the canteen and those who report the speeches who I am sure sit there every day and think, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, this is so boring, can we not go home?" However, there are also good days. At times, this Chamber has made a huge difference to legislation. It depends on the goodness and, I presume, the confidence of the Minister who sits there to listen to the contributions Members make. The Ministers who have sat there and listened and changed legislation because of the contributions of Members here are better Ministers. That is the purpose of this House and I ask those who return to the House to retain that tradition and continue that very worthwhile reason for being here. That is what it is all about.

Sadly, at least three women, Senators O'Meara and Henry and myself, will not be back. I hope those women running for re-election are returned and that other women are successful because it will be a sad day if the number of women involved in politics continues to decrease. The challenge for the body politic and institutions is to get more women involved. We must change the way we do business. It does not work for young women or men with families. If Seanad reform happens in the next Seanad, I hope this is on the agenda.

I extend my final thanks to my former Fianna Fáil colleagues who are still my friends. I thank them for all their kindness. I know Senator Norris is dying for me to go over there.