Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join with all other Senators in wishing Senator Quinn very well in his retirement. To me, he epitomises the word "gentleman". He is an utter gentleman.I also wish Senators Walsh and Mac Conghail well in their retirement as well as to anybody who has indicated they do not intend to come back to the House. I extend my good wishes to the Cathaoirleach, the Leader of the House and the Deputy Leader of the House, Senator Ivana Bacik. I extend good wishes to Senator Denis O'Donovan who has acted as leader of the Opposition. We have had a Seanad in which we did not have an overall Government majority and yet I can say without hesitation that this has been one of the most productive Seanad's in the history of the House. That is borne out by the extensive body of legislation which has gone through this House and which has gone through relatively smoothly, considering the fact we did not have an overall Government majority. It could not have happened without the positive contribution of Members of the Opposition and, in particular, the positive contribution of members of the Fianna Fáil party. I thank Senator Diarmuid Wilson, the Whip of the Opposition, for his exceedingly gentlemanly conduct at all times and for the kindness he showed to our colleague, Senator Jimmy Harte, when he experienced his unfortunate accident.

I thank all the support staff of the House, specifically the stenographers who sit there hour after hour and who must sometimes ask themselves what on God's earth we are talking about. I wish all other staff of the House well, in particular Deirdre Lane, who has already been mentioned.

We have had very positive and robust debate in this House on a significant number of occasions. It has certainly been lively from time to time. I hope we see the same robust and positive debate on the issues facing Irish society in the course of the upcoming general election. I wish all colleagues well in their futures, those who are and those who are not seeking re-election.