Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I usually do not make a comment, but as a former local authority member, I wish to acknowledge the great effort by people who put their names forward for election. I congratulate the victors and empathise and sympathise with the vanquished because it is very stressful physically, mentally and emotionally on all those who ran and on their families.

It is particularly good to see young people here in the Gallery, and they are more than welcome. In my own county a young lad of 19 standing as an Independent was elected. In my home village of Schull a young woman of long-standing political pedigree, Katie Murphy of Fine Gael, was elected. I had the good fortune to meet her during the campaign. She is just 20 and still in college. It is great to see the youth involved from whatever party.

I compliment all those who stood. I congratulate those who were successful and sympathise with those who were not. Most of us in this House have been elected by local authority members. I wanted to make that comment in as balanced a way as possible. I apologise to the Minister of State. I will let him give the formal answer Senator Daly is seeking. I am sure he has good news for him.