Máiría Cahill (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I had not intended to speak as I was sitting in my office listening to everybody else’s contribution, but I decided I would. I did not believe I would ever in my life use the phrase "Senator Scobie." I thank the Senator very much for his remarks.

I became a Member a very short time ago. I was somewhat nervous coming here because, although one is used to watching people on the television making their contributions, one never believes in a million years that one will be sitting among some political heavyweights here. I became a Member with the intention of raising specific issues and I believe I stand on record as having done that. I treat people the way I am treated and in the way in which I find them. I thank everybody right across the House for the very decent way in which I have been treated. I believe I have made some very good friendships, certainly personal friendships, along the way.

It is a great honour and privilege to be in this House, as I said when I came here at the start of November. It is particularly good to have some Northern representation. I have treated my role very seriously and have very much enjoyed my time here. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.