Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I echo the Cathaoirleach's sentiments in congratulating former Senator Rory Kiely on his stewardship and membership of the Seanad. He was a respected Member for 30 years, Cathaoirleach for the past five and we always knew we had a friend in him.

We wish the new Cathaoirleach well and look forward to working under his stewardship over the next five years. At the end of that term I hope we will all be able to say that our membership of Seanad Éireann made a difference and assisted those most in need in Ireland.