Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh Mr. Begg. I sincerely think him for his very interesting of the 1913 Lock-out. He is the general secretary of an organisation that represents over 55 unions and 833,000 men and women in the country. He must be a very busy man. He has gone a long way, which is right, and he has reached the top of the profession. His early days of negotiation were not that long ago and I witnessed them in my former role working with the ESB. Mr. Begg has spoken here with great conviction and authority, and I acknowledge the part played by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in the successful negotiations surrounding the Croke Park and Haddington Road agreements.

Mr. Begg has battled for workers' rights for decades, as colleagues have mentioned, and he has worked with great energy, calm and dignity. He has brought calm to many negotiation tables. I wish him continued success in his leadership role and, to echo Senator Ned O'Sullivan, I was honoured to receive a nomination from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and be elected to the Seanad on its behalf. I wish Mr. Begg continued good health and success in his deliberations for many years to come.