David Norris (Independent)

As father of the House, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the Taoiseach to the Chamber. He does us an honour by being with us today because he is the duly elected leader of our Parliament. It is my earnest wish that after the next election he may be elevated to membership of Seanad Éireann. The Taoiseach's speech was clear, concise and positive. It was a tonic and the applause with which it was greeted showed that people appreciated it.