Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I congratulate all those who were elected to Dáil Éireann, especially Senators from the Labour Party benches which, as Senators will note, are virtually empty. I welcome Senator Darragh O'Brien who will, I am sure, make a valuable contribution to the House.

I concur with the views expressed on the new Government which will have to work hard. Politicians who sought election on a platform of opposition will have to provide answers regarding Ireland's future, especially in Europe.

This is International Women's Day and in welcoming that 23% of Labour Party Deputies are women, I also note that Ireland still falls far short in terms of women's representation in Parliament. Wonderful women throughout the world are marking International Women's Day in many different ways. Earlier today, I was in contact with people in Australia and the United States where a variety of initiatives have been taken to celebrate the occasion. This is a positive day on which many women throughout the world are doing a great job. They should be congratulated.