Fiona O'Malley (Independent)

Unfortunately days like this on which the work is done on an all-party basis are all too rare in the Seanad and much work that deserves a great deal of attention is not given enough attention. There have been a few occasions during the lifetime of this Seanad when we all worked together to the advancement of good, rights-based legislation. I would like to think that in the next Seanad it will be the way work is done on a regular rather than a rare basis.

I commend the Green Party for the work it has done. Rather than thank the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, I wish her well. The path she laid out yesterday for what she proposes to do in her area of responsibility bodes well for it.

I thank the Cathaoirleach as he is retiring. I hate the sound of valedictory speeches, and I certainly hope I am not making mine here, but I wish him well and thank the staff for their time over the 23rd Seanad.

I was a little confused when I came in today. It is still the 23rd Seanad and I cannot understand why all of my colleagues have swapped sides. They are doing the House a disservice by deciding that, because an election took place in the other House, the consequences of it should transform themselves in here. I refuse point blank to swap sides because this is the side on which I was allocated my seat and I shall remain here for the lifetime, and the dying moments, of the 23rd Seanad.