John Carty (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate Senators Cummins and Coghlan on their elevation to Leader of the House and Government Whip, respectively, and wish them well.

Given that 2011 is a census year and as I am sure the new Leader will occupy the same position in the next Seanad, I ask that he bring forward legislation to publish the 1926 census. There was no census in 1921 and my colleague, Senator Ó Murchú, and I have previously called for legislation in this area. As a local genealogist, every week and month I receive communications from various parts of the United States and England regarding families who had to leave this country between the 1920s and the 1950s. The publication of the 1926 census, like its predecessors in 1901 and 1911, could provide vital information on these families. I will send a reminder of the matter to the Leader when he is, I hope, reappointed to his current position in the next Seanad.

As this is our last sitting and I am not contesting the forthcoming election, I wish my colleagues the best of luck and, most importantly, the best of health. I hope those who are contesting the election will be returned. As I understand the Cathaoirleach will not be contesting the election, I commend him on the way he fulfilled his duties in the House in the past three and three quarters years. I understand now that he always knew what was happening on this side of the House because he had a clearer view of it than he had of the other side. I offer the best of wishes to his staff and thank them for their help and co-operation.