John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Coghlan for sharing his time with me and welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Connick, to the Seanad. His recent elevation to ministerial office is a matter of great pride for many in my area and his. I was proud to be the first man from Rosbercon in the Oireachtas, but Deputy Connick beat me to the Dáil and the position of Minister of State. There is only one position to which I could hope to beat him at this stage. However, I wish him success in his position. I note that he mentioned his own county of Wexford, but I presume he meant his own constituency, since he lives in Kilkenny.