Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 13 Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business.

I join Senator Ardagh in remembering and paying tribute to the families of the late David Hearne and John McCallion, who passed away tragically over the weekend. As the Cathaoirleach and Senator Ardagh said, Garda Hearne was involved in the National Bravery Awards. We sympathise most sincerely with the families of both members of An Garda Síochána.Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

On behalf of the Government side, I join in Senators' congratulation of the candidates of all parties and none who contested and were successful or unsuccessful in the local and European elections. I wish those who were elected every success as they take up the mantle of elected office in representing their communities and local electoral areas, LEAs. Senator Craughwell can prepare to reply, but I remind those Senators who did not mention it in their contributions that this was the first time a Government increased its share of the vote in a mid-term election. The number of seats increased from 235 to 253.