Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I extend congratulations from these benches to Senator Dearey. It is important that people put their names forward for public representation at a time when politics is not really the dish of the week for most. I thank Senator Dearey for so doing. I welcome him and wish him well. His appointment raises an issue about methods of election and nomination but it seems to have been ignored by the Government parties. As the Green Party has an input, I ask the Senator to speak to his party leader in order to advance the issue. I am very impressed by the despatch at which the Government dealt with the filling of the vacancy. I presume we can look forward to witnessing an equally enthusiastic approach to the Donegal South-West and Dublin South by-elections.