Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I appreciate the opportunity of speaking so early in today's proceedings. It is an honour to be present in the 23rd Seanad despite the circumstances in which many of us have arrived here today. We all have a valuable contribution to make in the workings of what will be a very exciting and valuable Seanad.

I concur with much of what Senator Ross said. While the Seanad is important, vital and effective, there is an onus on those of us who are appointed or elected today to make the Seanad more vital and more effective. Important work was done by the 22nd Seanad on reform of the Seanad. Efforts were made, through a joint committee of the Dáil and the Seanad, to progress that. It is unfortunate that the committee met so infrequently. There is an intention in other places to reconstitute that committee to give it a particular mandate and have it report on the benefit of both Houses so that during the term of the 23rd Seanad we will see recommendations that will have all-party approval. I am confident we will see necessary changes being made. That will be the responsibility of the new Cathaoirleach who will be elected today.

In seconding the nomination of Senator Pat Moylan I endorse both the recommendation of him by the Leader of the House and the vote of confidence in him by his party colleagues. This is an inter-party Government. I and my colleague, Senator de Búrca, who is also sitting here for the first time, are happy to endorse and support that nomination and to offer Senator Moylan, should he be accepted by the House as Cathaoirleach, our personal support in carrying out what will be a very invigorating programme of activities in the 23rd Seanad. On those grounds it is my particular privilege to second the nomination and seek the support of others in the House for that nomination.