Sean Barrett (Independent)

I echo the Cathaoirleach's words of welcome and those of Senators Maurice Cummins, Darragh O'Brien, Ivana Bacik and Jillian van Turnhout. Mary Robinson was elected to this House on 2 August 1969 and President 21 years later. Next Saturday week, 3 December, marks the 21st anniversary of her inauguration as President. I wish the party every success and I am sure it will be most enjoyable. She has shaken the hands of tens of thousands of graduates of Trinity College Dublin where she serves with distinction, as Senator Bacik said, as chancellor. In her maiden speech to the House on 2 December 1969 she referred to the gross underuse of the Seanad by the Government. That issue is still topical today, as she will gather.