Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

A Chathaoirligh, I warmly congratulate you on your elevation to the post of Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. It is obviously an example of the respect in which you are held across the House that you have been elected unopposed. On behalf of my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Seanad Éireann, I congratulate you. When the proposal was put to them, there was no difficulty in giving their support to your nomination as Cathaoirleach.

As Senator Cummins said, there will be other days to debate how this House and the Oireachtas operate. It is very clear that changes need to be made and that we need to be cognisant of the views held outside the House about how it operates. This Seanad comprises the elected Members and the Taoiseach's 11 nominees whom I welcome. I am not sure if the Cathaoirleach was referring to me as one of the younger Senators - I will take it that he was. I look forward very much to this term, as do my colleagues. From the Fianna Fáil group, the Cathaoirleach can expect our respect and co-operation. We will be constructive at all times and intend to play a robust part in opposition when the time comes. We look forward to meeting the challenges that will face us as Members in serving the people in Seanad Éireann. It is a great honour for all of us to be here.

I again congratulate the Cathaoirleach, his wife, Dolores, his mother and extended family. I am certain that he will do a fantastic job. It is another great day for County Mayo. We Dubs will probably have to wait for the All-Ireland championships for retaliation. I wish the Cathaoirleach the very best.