Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I begin by thanking the Cathaoirleach for his fairness and great patience over many debates as I sought to use this incredible opportunity to serve in Seanad Éireann to the greatest extent possible. It has been an extraordinary opportunity and it is only passion that leads one to speak at length. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Martin, Bridget and all of the staff in the Seanad, Oireachtas and Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, in particular, for their support on my public procurement Bill which we were due to debate next week but which, it is to be hoped, will have to wait for another term. I thank the Bills Office staff for their patience with what were, at times, the hundreds of amendments we tabled as we sought to tweak and improve every Bill in any way we could.

I thank the Leader, Senator Jerry Buttimer, who is not here today. I thank Orla Murray, who has been very good and fair in all of her engagements with all of us. I thank my staff, Janet Horner, Ciara Gaynor, Aengus Ó Maoláin, Nem Kearns and Sinéad Mercier, all of whom have worked in different ways and at different times to help make what we do possible. I thank Fiona Cashin and Anne-Marie Lynch, the clerks of the climate action and social protection committees.

I am extremely proud of what we have done in the Twenty-fifth Seanad. It has been remarkable and one of which we should all be aware. I often say when people-----