Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Cathaoirleach allowing me time to congratulate Senator Buttimer on his election as Leas-Chathaoirleach. It is a very special day for him and his husband, Conchobar. I am sure the Leas-Chathaoirleach will not mind me saying that in his role as Leader, he was sometimes combative and always well able to wind us up on this side of the House but it proved impossible not to establish a friendship with him. He was always on hand with advice and for that reason, I have a good expectation that he will be a fair and balanced Leas-Chathaoirleach.

I commend his work on establishing the parliamentary LGBT caucus, which is hugely important. With the number of LGBT people in these Houses at this point and given the time that Senator Buttimer has served here, it is easy to overlook how significant an occasion this is but I know that as a proud openly gay man and a Member of the Oireachtas, in filling this role he will be a role model for young people and older LGBT people. This week, we heard a transgender farmer from Cork speak on Joe Duffy's radio show about his experience and for all of the LGBT community across Ireland, these moments are seen. Our young people and all people need positive role models like Roderic O'Gorman and Jerry Buttimer. I wish the Senator well and congratulate him on his election.