Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

It may or may not be the last day as I do not know what the future holds. On my own behalf, as I did not do it earlier, I congratulate Senator Cummins on his appointment as Leader of the House, and Senator Coghlan on his appointment as Government Whip. I thank Senator Burke, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, for his help and co-operation and outstanding work for me here, and the many other Members who presided in the Chair to help me. I thank the Captain and the ushers for their help and co-operation in the House. I thank Senator Cassidy, the Leader for most of the time, and Senators Wilson and Glynn, the Whip and deputy whip, respectively, and wish them well for the future. I thank the staff of Ms Lane and Ms Blake who have shown professionalism and expertise of a high order. I wish the best of luck to Senators standing for election and also to Members of the House who are not standing, and wish them well in the future.

I had my differences with Members from time to time but I always tried to uphold the rules of the House to the best of my ability. I wish this House well in the future. Whatever the changes proposed for Seanad Éireann, they should be carefully considered and not made lightly. From my experience of almost 14 years in this House, I have found Seanad Éireann to be exemplary in the manner in which it dealt with all legislation. Unfortunately, my regret on occasions was that some really outstanding contributions on legislation, and outstanding efforts made by Members of this House in going in depth through legislation to do what was best for the legislation and for this country, was not reflected in the media. I wish the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, well for the future. I sincerely thank the recording staff and those who keep every word on the record for the future, and wish them well.