Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with colleagues in welcoming the passing of this important legislation. During the Order of Business, when we were saying our few words, I forgot to mention the Deputy Leader of the House, Senator Bacik. She has become an honorary Cavan person during the course of this Seanad and she is very welcome to citizenship of that great county. I wish to pay tribute to her now. We do not agree on a lot of issues, but that is the essence of democracy.

These past five years have passed very quickly. Just five years ago, the Minister was standing in the very position I am in now. Since then, she has served in Cabinet as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. She was an excellent Minister and the first Minister for Children at senior level in the history of the State. She moved on to become Minister for Justice and Equality and has excelled in that position. Who knows what the next five years have in store for her. During the last Seanad, she was ably assisted by another young person who is now a Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris. Time brings change and five years have brought significant change in the case of the Minister and the country, though perhaps not all were for the best.

It has been a privilege to have represented the Leas-Chathaoirleach when he was not available as spokesperson on justice and it has been a privilege to serve in this House opposite the Minister. I wish her well for the future and look forward hopefully to working together with her for the next five years.