Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I believe the two of us could have made it on that panel. I wish Senator Daly well in his new career and I hope he will give the country the benefit of his expertise and experience. I look forward to him serving the nation in another forum in the not-too-distant future.

I thank our colleagues in the Progressive Democrats for their kindness and working relationship in the past ten years, particularly Senator Dardis, the Deputy Leader of the Seanad. Senator Dardis has been Deputy Leader of the House for ten years and has been exemplary in the manner in which he has carried out his duties. He has been a wonderful friend, a safe pair of hands and I hope that the wisdom of the Progressive Democrats will serve to return him here, if the opportunity arises, at a future date. I certainly mean that because he is a man who has the respect of all Members of this House and is someone who could contribute enormously in this forum in future.

Many issues were raised. As someone said, being heavily involved in committee work does not get one re-elected to the Dáil. The late great Deputy Jim Mitchell presided over a committee that really delivered. Former Deputy Denis O'Donovan presided over a committee and I worked especially hard on the insurance issue. I realise this was mentioned earlier but I believe it is something the House should bear in mind.

I wish all aspirants for the Seanad in the forthcoming election well, new as well as outgoing candidates. I hope they will all be successful, particularly those colleagues with whom we have worked long and hard in this House over the years. Senator Leyden has mentioned all the new Members, Senators Colm O'Gorman, Seán Dorgan, Peter Sands and Chris Wall. I know it was a total oversight that I was left out and naturally I cannot give him my No. 1 on that particular panel, but I wish the Senator well for his re-election. He has been an outstanding Member of the House and I realise Members will bear that in mind when they are voting.

Senator O'Toole expressed his views on the challenges facing the Seanad in the years ahead, as did Senator Ryan on matters which those two Senators in particular outlined to the House on the promotion of the Gaeltacht areas. We can certainly allow time to debate this at some length if we are all elected. If I am re-elected, my priority will be to deal with the question of energy costs.