Joe O'Toole (Independent)

On behalf of Independent Senators, I also wish to be associated with the words of the Cathaoirleach and thank him for his good wishes. We would also like to extend our good wishes to all on both sides of the House and thank the Cathaoirleach for his courtesy at all times and the Leader for his co-operation. We have our rows but always manage to sort them out.

I also thank the Government Whip, who has established a positive relationship with this side of the House. I thank Ms Deirdre Lane and Ms Jody Blake for the extraordinary help they have given at all times to convert thoughts into amendments and bring order to the House.

We have conducted our business well in the House and I ask the Leader to look back and see how we can be even more relevant in the future. I thank the staff of the House and ask the chief usher to convey our views to the staff, as was done this morning by the Leader. I thank Jim Walsh for his constant reporting of the House, which we very much appreciate.