Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That Senator Máire Devine be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach."

Máire has been an elected councillor since 2011 and has worked diligently for her constituents in the south Dublin area for many years. Before being elected as a public representative, as a psychiatric nurse she had years of sterling commitment in the area of psychiatric care and was a champion of people who were being abandoned by the system. Wherever institutions were being threatened with closure, she worked with communities to ensure patients got the care and support they needed. She was very passionate on that issue in particular. On the broader issue of workers' rights, she has been a trade union official and a leader and spokesperson for many years.

We want to see strong women coming to the forefront of Irish politics and being elected to senior positions. Máire is a strong woman. She is a spokesperson, a campaigner and a fighter for disadvantaged people and for those who do not otherwise have a voice. I am delighted to nominate Máire to be Leas-Chathaoirleach of the House.