Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Beidh mé an-ghairid. Mar fhocal scoir, ar mo shon féin agus ar son an Tí, is ceart agus cóir go bhfuil an Taoiseach sa Seanad inniu agus muid ag comóradh dearbhú Phoblacht na hÉireann 70 bliain ó shin. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach as ucht an chomhrá agus as an óráid iontach.

On this 70th anniversary of our declaration of a Republic, it is important that we remember the words of T.K. Whitaker when he said that the door to happiness opens outwards. That is very much the case for us as a country today. We are an island economy in the heart of Europe and an economy that is growing and developing. As the Taoiseach said, our global footprint is expanding across the world.

It is not my intention to give a long discourse but, as Leader of the House, I thank the Taoiseach for his speech and for his wonderful contribution in reply to Members' contributions. I remind Senator Norris there has been 88 hours and 25 minutes of debate. Perhaps the parliamentary practice of calling quorums and walk-throughs should be reflected upon in new politics. New politics is not about the old ways being continued but about trying new ways as well.