Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had not intended to speak but the Cathaoirleach indicated that he wanted me to do so and manners are important in all of our lives.

The Senators used beautiful words when referring to our amazing leaders, and the ushers, but "thank you" is what I want to say to everyone. My time here has been the fastest five years of my life. I am a confident person in the food business, and out and about, but it took me a long time to find my feet in here. However, they have been the most decent, welcoming and polite group of people.

I got out of the traps early yesterday with my comments about Senator Feargal Quinn, so I will not say anything about him today. He was embarrassed yesterday because I piled adoration on him. I said nothing about "St. Diarmuid" yesterday but we will leave that for another day.

Sadly, I am not running again, although I am only 55 so the Senators may see me again in five years time. However, the Senators who are re-elected will see a lot of me because I am dedicated to children with disabilities. The Jack & Jill Children's Foundation, and all the families I am connected to on the medical cards issue, will be part of me forever. I am not going away in terms of that.

I am very upset about the way we treat the environment in Ireland. The Senators know my views on fluoride, and we will not start that debate now, but we are the only country in Europe that puts that strange stuff in our water. I will not go away on that issue either.

I love business, food and chocolate. I love entrepreneurs. I believe in the island of Ireland and its greenness. In what other country in the world can one take a satellite photograph and get the real thing. We are green, so I will never stop in terms of my belief in that. I told the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, the other night that he has been a brilliant Minister. Ireland has taken off in terms of exports. We are over the €12 billion figure and are on our way to reaching €19 billion by 2025. I hope the Senators who return here will remain focused on that issue, which is indigenous. It belongs to us so we should stay focused on it.

I am not saying goodbye to any of the Senators because I will be in here morning, noon and night. However, I have three people over 90 whom I hope to spend more time with. I will spend a little more time on my business for a while, but I will be plugged into what the Senators are doing in this House also.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson, Senator Seán Barrett, Senator Imelda Henry and all the Senators who return will see a good deal of me. The Leader is down the road from me in Waterford. I will stay plugged into what this House is doing because it is the best club and the greatest honour to be a Member, but we will not stop in terms of our will to change things and do better.

Senators can stop using the word "retirement" when speaking about Senator Feargal Quinn because he has so many plans. He is launching a new book in May. He has a new television series planned that will take him a year to make. His beautiful wife Denise is thinking of divorcing him because she never sees him. She never will see him. For the record, he is not retiring.

I thank Deirdre and the staff. We would not be here only for them. I agree with the comments about the parliamentary reporters. I do not know how they do it.