Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Like my fellow Senators, I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Senator Burke on assuming the role of Cathaoirleach of the Upper House. I am the only Fine Gael woman returned from the last Seanad and I was honoured to serve with the Cathaoirleach in it. I saw at first hand how he always conducted his business very fairly; he is a man of integrity, he is patient and he always has a smile. Anybody watching can see he has a great smile. I have no doubt that all those qualities will be called on again in his new position as Cathaoirleach.

I pay tribute to Senator Norris for a very fine and challenging address today. He has put to us many of the issues we must face up to in the House, and the manner in which he addressed us augurs well for his own future. I congratulate the respective leaders of the new groups. Senator Maurice Cummins is Leader of the House and has quite a task ahead of him. I wish him well in the role. Senator Ivana Bacik is deputy leader of the House and leads the Labour Party. Senator Darragh O'Brien is leader of Fianna Fáil and Senator David Cullinane is leading Sinn Féin.

I, like others in the House, compliment the Taoiseach on his nominated Members. They bring a breath of fresh air and much talent and colour to the House. I look forward to hearing their contributions on how we can better serve our country, which is ultimately why we are here. We are a function of the people and here for no other reason but to serve the people. It is heartening to see so many people in the Visitors' Gallery and the press here in numbers. As has been mentioned before, that has not always happened.

This may be the last Seanad but it could be the best. That is the challenge before us today. I welcome the returned Senators, as it has not been easy for many of us, and I welcome the new Senators. I was helped in the past three and a half years and I hope I can be of help to the new Senators as we go forward together. It is heartening, as Members have indicated, to see the increased number of women in the new Seanad. That women make up 30% of the House is heartening because their perspective and experience will be critical if we are to be truly representative and give leadership to our citizens.

The 24th Seanad may be the final sitting of the Upper House but it could also be the best; it is up to us to make it so. We can be sure that there will be change after this Seanad, either through abolition or reform. Ultimately, the people will decide on the change. I compliment and endorse the comments of Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú regarding the actions of the Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, in bringing this to a head. That there were 14 reports on reforming the Seanad without any action is a shame and disgraces the political establishment. The Taoiseach has finally brought the matter to a head and will allow the people to decide.

We now have a duty and a role to work together as 60 Senators and ask if we are worth keeping. It will ultimately be our actions, contributions, initiatives and fresh thinking that will guide the people in making a decision. I will say no more other than to point out that this is a day for every one of the 60 Senators in the House. It is a great moment to be elected and we have all been chosen. It is an especially proud moment for the Cathaoirleach. I wish him well but we will all need each other as we go forward.