Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a great pleasure for all of us today, sitting here observing what is happening. We all have taken a long journey. We have come here with our own experiences, traditions, cultures and challenges and I agree it is a day of celebration. I thank Senator Norris for his words, which were, in some ways, provocative. However, many of them need to be examined. No doubt we have looked at them.

I will support Senator O'Donovan. He is a man of exceptional talent when one looks at his contribution as a county councillor, as a Deputy, as a Senator and as a Leas-Chathaoirleach and, in particular, at his work, which Senator Norris mentioned. He also chaired the committee in regard to the Judge Brian Curtin case. They were challenging and difficult times and they showed the parameters of Seanad Éireann and the potential it has.

It is extraordinary that of the 60 Members of the Twenty-fifth Seanad, 42 of us are new Members. Some have been here before in other capacities but it is remarkable that 42 of the 60 Members from the island of Ireland are new to the House. That is remarkable and a challenge to us all to work together.

I congratulate Senator Buttimer on his appointment. He is a man of great ability and he is very brave, very courageous and very imaginative. He is someone who will have the support not only of this House but of Dáil Éireann and of the public at large. There are challenges for us but we can work together. It will need a strong, decisive and fair Cathaoirleach.

More importantly, we have had reform. A Bill was published by a group of Independent Senators that will be brought before this House and will give one person one vote, which so many from all parties in this House campaigned for. It is interesting to look at the literature - I had a look at it this morning - from many distinguished Members sitting here on their commitment to Seanad reform. There is an opportunity now for us all to engage in a meaningful Seanad reform. That will be the basis - it will not be a panacea or provide all the solutions - for going forward.

I look forward to working with everyone in this Seanad and I particularly want to wish Senator Denis O'Donovan well and endorse his election as Cathaoirleach.