Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le chuile dhuine - chuile Sheanadóir anseo - as ucht an t-am suimiúil agus spreagúil a bhí againn le ceithre bliana anuas. I acknowledge this important day. I acknowledge the Taoiseach who nominated me as a Senator. It was a deep privilege for me to be inside, working in a democratic institution, albeit in grave need of reform, which is one thing we have not achieved. I appreciate that privilege and the cross-party support I have received as a Senator. The guidance of the Cathaoirleach throughout the past four and a half to five years was important, as was that of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Denis O’Donovan. In particular, I pay tribute to the Leader, Senator Maurice Cummins, who demonstrated grace under pressure at times. He did an extraordinary job, particularly at times when the Government did not have a majority. I pay particular tribute to Orla Murray in his office.

On behalf of all our group, I thank and acknowledge Senator Bacik, the leader of the Labour group, and her colleagues. I learnt a lot from Senator Bacik and admire her greatly for all the work she has done. I acknowledge the leader of the Fianna Fáil group, Senator Darragh O’Brien, who is obviously busy at the moment in his constituency.I wish all Senators running in the general election the very best. I do not have the courage to run for election but many others here do and I admire them for it. Some Senators are also becoming my friends because of the vote I might possibly be able to give them in the next Seanad election.

I give particular credit to the leader of the independent Taoiseach's nominees group, Senator Jillian van Turnhout; her assistant, Ms Amy McCardle; my assistant, Ms Sarah Kelly, and at the Abbey, Ms Fiona Reynolds, for all of the work they have done in supporting me in the past few years.

I pay tribute to the Superintendent, Commandant Paul Conway; the Captain of the Guard, Commandant John Flaherty; and the head usher, Mr. Colm O'Rourke, all of whom, with respect, dignity and gentlemanly conduct, make it their duty to support us in our work. I also pay tribute to the staff of the Library and Research Service.

This is our last day and I agree with Senator Ivana Bacik on the work we have to do today. I that know the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 was contentious when it went through the Seanad. I am disappointed, on behalf of many NGOs, that the provision providing for the criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services has not been passed. We have advocated and campaigned for it and I hope to continue to do so in my role as a citizen in the future.

I will conclude on a slightly depressing note, but it is important. One of the things we achieved in this Seanad through various Private Members' motions was to stop the amalgamation of various national cultural institutions, particularly those involving the National Gallery of Ireland and the IMMA and the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. Having lauded our Oscar nominees and international reputation, Ireland is still at the bottom of the European league for Government investment in culture and the arts. Council of Europe data show that in 2012 in Ireland just 0.11% of GDP was spent on culture and the arts compared with the European average of 0.6%. I hope the next Seanad, Oireachtas and Government will increase investment in the arts as a matter of priority.