Ivana Bacik (Independent)

On behalf of the Labour Party group, I add my voice to that of Senator Cummins. This is Senator Burke's day and we are delighted he has been unanimously elected as Cathaoirleach. I extend congratulations to him, his wife and family.

There has been a lot of talk about diversity. The Labour Party has 12 Members who are a diverse group and come from all corners of Ireland. I welcome the Taoiseach's nominees who represent a diverse range of issues and bring a great deal of experience and expertise to the House. I look forward to working with them and everyone else.

I thank Senator Wilson for his kind words. This is not a day for long speeches on the abolition, retention or reform of the Seanad, on which we have strong views and no doubt we will see lively debates in the House. We must ensure we function as a House that serves the important role of scrutinising legislation and as a forum in which challenging debates take place on pressing issues.

On behalf of the Labour Party group, I look forward to working with our colleagues in Fine Gael and on the Opposition benches, including the members of the Independent group, Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil. I also look forward to a productive and radical term in the 24th Seanad.