Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the tributes paid to the Cathaoirleach and wish him a happy 23rd Seanad birthday today. There were times when Senators would take issue with some decisions but he would disarm us completely with his charming smile and that would be the end of any issue we might have. I also pay tribute to Ms Deirdre Lane, Mr. Martin Groves and all the staff who have kept me on the straight and narrow, especially when I was Acting Chairman. They guided and advised me on the protocol and I thank them for that.

I pay tribute to the leaders of all the parties and the nominees. We have all got on well over the years. The tributes being paid to the Leader of the House, Senator Cummins, by the long-standing Members are the ones which carry the most weight. We do not know what previous Seanaid were like and how Leaders acted but Members have paid tribute to Senator Cummins on bringing about great change, for which I commend him.

I have to pay a special tribute to my own leader, Senator Ivana Bacik. When we came into the House, we were newbies, we did not know the protocol and we were trying to find our feet but she has been an inspiration to us and a superb leader. Her guidance, expertise and knowledge have been invaluable to us and we have learned from her, and I thank her for that. I pay tribute also to our Whip, Senator Aideen Hayden, who has always tried to facilitate us. When controversial legislation was passing through the House and some Senators could not be here, Senator Diarmuid Wilson facilitated Senator Hayden and pairs were arranged for those of us who could not attend.

I wish Senators Walsh and Quinn all the best in their retirement. Senator Walsh will admit that we have not always seen eye to eye but he has always been a man of principle and has stood by what he believes. That is what defines him.Senator Quinn has been nothing but a true gentleman in this House. I have never heard a bad word said about the Senator by anybody. As I travel around the country and people ask about my days in the Seanad, the two Senators whom everybody will ask about are Senators Norris and Quinn. They are the two who will always be brought up. I can assure them they have made their mark in the Seanad.