Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As a Senator, I have never wanted to work on legislation in isolation to either oppose a measure or differ from other Members. My goal has always been to work cohesively with everybody around me. That probably comes from a lifetime of work with people in the community sector and it is the only way to get things done. The Minister's departmental officials have been open to participating in that engagement process. It does not feel tokenistic in any way when we consult or meet his departmental officials. The process has been lengthy and constructive and helped to work out the issues involved, something I welcome. I thank Seb McAteer in my office for the huge amount of work he puts in to make me sound better than I am, something which is to be welcomed.