Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Despite Senator Ross's comments on the urgent need for Seanad reform, he has succeeded in being here for 26 years and has made a strong contribution during that period, on which I congratulate him. Twenty-six years is quite a record. We have an unfinished democracy. The representation of women is, obviously, unfinished. Nevertheless, despite the imperfections in the Seanad, we are all proud to sit here and honoured to participate in our democracy.

Fine Gael does not oppose Senator Moylan's nomination as Cathaoirleach. He has received a strong endorsement from his party; he is a well-respected former Whip and experienced politician and Senator and has been a Member of the Seanad for ten years. He is a man of character and will be fair and impartial in handling the business of the House. This is a day of immense pride for him. My Fine Gael colleagues and I look forward to working with him in making the Seanad effective and efficient.

I also congratulate Senator Cassidy on his appointment as Leader of the House. While supporting his nomination I must lay down some markers regarding the business of the House. First, however, on behalf of Fine Gael, I congratulate every Member who has been elected to the Seanad. It is a great honour.

I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Fine Gael leader in the House. My party colleagues bring a mix of experience, talent, gender, age and urban and rural backgrounds. We have the potential to make a dynamic impact in the House and to play our part in holding the Government to account for its policies. We do not intend to oppose for the sake of opposition but we are aware of our role, which is to highlight issues of public concern, scrutinise legislation and seek accountability and integrity at all levels of public life and governance.

It is an exciting and challenging time to be a Member of the Oireachtas. Many opportunities face society and we must harness those opportunities and maximise their benefit for the people. With those opportunities come challenges the House will address. We face challenges in the health and education sectors and in the housing market. We must deal with the pressures on family life, protect and preserve our environment and ensure the future stability of the economy. Our public services, on which society depends for care, protection and assistance, must receive adequate investment and be properly and efficiently managed. For example, the deplorable and unacceptable breast cancer services highlight the urgent need to manage and support our vital public services. The Seanad must be seen to be real, present and relevant to what is going on. We have the ability to ensure that is the case.

The House must address the issue of integration in education, employment and society. The question of integration will pose a challenge and present an opportunity to legislators. We will do all we can to ensure that we have a society of integration and cultural diversity which is inclusive and pluralist. We must pursue the politics of inclusion and not of alienation.

The issue of women in politics appears to have faded from the political agenda but it must be pursued, along with Seanad reform. Reports of the previous Seanad contain many recommendations on which we might act. I note there have been 11 such reports so there is plenty of food for thought. What we are looking for is political will in implementing the recommendations contained therein. I am sure the Leader of the House, Senator Cassidy, will take up this matter with the Government and I look forward to hearing his response at the beginning of the new term.

There is much we can achieve, despite the need for reform. We can achieve a great deal in initiating legislation, proposing amendments to Bills, highlighting areas of legitimate public concern and holding to account the democratic institutions of the State and their officeholders. Each and every one of us has an obligation and a serious part to play in restoring and improving trust in political institutions and the body politic. I am sure everybody present is conscious of this. A democracy is only as strong as the faith and confidence its people have in it.

During the life of this Seanad the Fine Gael group intends to place accountability, trust in public life and integrity at the core of its work. We know we will be joined in this task by Members from all sides of the House. During the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting in Galway, Deputy Enda Kenny referred to the fact that in politics it was no longer enough to simply reassure the public of one's competence and ability; one must also strive to inspire. This House has played a role in inspiring Irish politics. We should set ourselves the task of ensuring we not merely carry out our work competently but that we do so with a view to inspiring and positively impacting on Irish life in order that we will know when this Seanad comes to an end we did all we could for the betterment of the people. The Fine Gael team and I look forward to taking up this task with immediate effect. Given the volume of work with which we are faced, I ask the Leader of the House to recall the Seanad early in order that we can begin this important work.

We wish Senator Pat Moylan the very best on his nomination as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. We will support his leadership. As I stated, Fine Gael will not be opposing his nomination.