Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate the Green Party and Senator Boyle, with whom I worked so well over the past four years as deputy leader and Leader, the Labour Party for bringing this Private Members' Bill before the House and the responsible way in which the Fine Gael Party, the Independents and Fianna Fáil have worked in unison to do the right thing on this legislation. I do not want the new Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to believe that this will always be the case when she comes back to the House in the 24th Seanad, but it is something on which everyone feels they are making an immense contribution to help those who cannot help themselves. It typifies what the Seanad is about, what the Seanad can do and the changes it can commence.

I wish all colleagues who are standing for the election well. I thank all those who are not standing for re-election. Some colleagues have been here quite a long time. Senator Ellis has spent 33 years in the Oireachtas and Senator O'Brien has spent almost 22 years here. These are considerable lengths of time, the prime of careers of individuals who have made an immense contribution to the democratic system and to the community and the public service in general. I acknowledge and respect that.

I wish the Cathaoirleach well. He has been impartial and we have worked with him for the past 14 years. The Seanad has been enhanced by his membership and stewardship and I join everyone here today in acknowledging that.

I thank the efficient staff, from Ms Deirdre Lane, Clerk of the Seanad, to Ms Jody Blake, the Clerk Assistant, the ushers, the Captain of the Guard, Mr. John Flaherty, who has been a great help and a great friend to me personally in my membership of the House, the Superintendent and all the staff in every part of the House who help and assist us on a daily basis here. It certainly has meant a great deal and has helped us considerably.

I hope that Seanad Éireann will survive, succeed and be significantly reformed. I believe in accountability, particularly to the taxpayer, and in being the protector of the taxpayer. With the general election over the people have given a 55% mandate for change to a new Government. I wished them well yesterday, as I wish well the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, who was here today as its representative. I did not get an opportunity to congratulate her, the former leader of the Opposition, whose former seat I am now in. I wholeheartedly congratulate her. How proud we are of her being appointed to Cabinet, coming directly from the Seanad in her position as leader of the Opposition.

Today's business exemplifies to the people of Ireland the good Seanad Éireann is doing. I certainly hope, with the wishes of the electorate, to be re-elected and be back here. If I am not, it was the highlight of my career being a Member of this House and beidh lá eile.