Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom aontú le morán atá ráite ar do shon, ó Seanadóirí eile inniu. Cuirim mo chomhgairdeachas féin leat as ucht an onóir a bronnadh ort inniu. Tá an post tuillte agat agus go n-éirí go mór leat san post tábhactach ar son an tSeanaid sna blianta atá romhainn. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach to whom Senator Ó Domhnaill referred as one of the gentlemen of the House. This was recognised by all sides of the House. The Cathaoirleach's amiability will bring harmony to the workings of the House and I hope we can conduct our business in a less partisan manner than what we see in the Lower House. Unfortunately, we do not receive recognition for this because the rows tend to garner headlines and fill space in the newspapers. We serve a better purpose by conducting our business in this way.

Whether one is involved in a local GAA club, soccer club, voluntary organisation, national body, international body or at Government level, the most significant aspect is leadership, of which there is a dearth in society. I congratulate Senator Cummins on his appointment as Leader of the House and Senator O'Brien as Leader of the Opposition. Under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach, we can make a significant difference for the people we represent.

This is not a day on which to dwell on the reform or abolition of the Seanad, but I wish to sound a note of caution. Contributions to date have concentrated on the Seanad, but this is only one of the three component parts of the Oireachtas. All three are in need of scrutiny and improvement. In that regard, the Dáil is most in need of scrutiny and improvement. The influence of the Executive on the workings of the Dáil has contributed to illustrating that the economic crisis means the political system is not fit for purpose. Others, including individuals in high public office and paid very good salaries, have also been found wanting. We owe it to the people to ensure they get value for money and that there are quality personnel available commensurate with the cost to the taxpayer. As one of the institutions of State and the Oireachtas, I hope we can show leadership in that regard. In many ways the Seanad can make a contribution to dealing with the current economic difficulties. Individuals with international expertise could also play a significant role.

I agree with Senator Cullinane that this House could play an important part in building bridges in Northern Ireland. Every political party in the House has its genesis in those who took part in the Rising of 1916, Laochra na Cásca, and those who fought in the War of Independence. Therefore we have a common objective to try to pursue and achieve the ultimate aspiration of those people, which is still very strong in the hearts of Irish people. We can do this in peaceful and constructive ways, as has already been done with the peace process and the efforts made after the Good Friday Agreement.

Much of the legislation we will see passing through this House has a basis in decisions and directives already made in Brussels, and there is a real need for pre-emptive scrutiny and debate of those in these Houses. The Seanad has been identified as a very useful forum for undertaking that important work. Under the leadership of the Cathaoirleach I look forward to much innovation in the Seanad, and if that happens people on all sides of the House will co-operate in the interests of the better well-being of our people and in looking to build on the confidence generated in recent weeks.