Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

There is nothing better than the threat of abolition to focus minds. That applies very much to the Seanad and the Green Party. It is appropriate that probably the last legislation to go through the House is Green Party legislation. I commend Senator Boyle on his huge contribution as deputy leader to the House and bringing the Bill forward. There are many others I wish to congratulate. Senator Cassidy who is sitting beside Senator Boyle made a great contribution as did those on the other side. I very much welcome the comments of the Minister of State in respect of this House but particularly her approach to rights-based legislation and always putting the patient first. If that is the approach the Minister of State is going to take we are in safe hands. I believe politics has got to change. We have to put aside the adversarial approach. We have a very strong Government in place. It is a time for the country to heal itself and work together for the betterment of the people. If the Minister of State's approach, a right-based and a people focused approach, is the approach of the Government it will be a very successful time for this country.

I also thank everybody else who contributed to the considerable success of my time here in the Seanad. If this is the Cathaoirleach's last day sitting in the Chair, praise has been heaped upon him and it is well deserved. It can be looked upon as a great time in the history of this country and I hope it is looked upon as a time of new beginning, not of abolition.