Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo the congratulations extended by Senator Flynn to Deputy Connolly on her election yesterday as Leas-Cheann Comhairle. It was a wonderful, well-deserved achievement. She is certainly a Teachta Dála whom I admire greatly. She always sticks up for and does the right thing. She is well deserving of the position to which she has been elected and I am delighted that she won the vote yesterday. I congratulate all the Deputies who voted for her and gave her that honour. Please God, I will call all the female Deputies and Senators together for a photo on the plinth next week to celebrate. It is something wonderful that women in politics must celebrate. When we see other women doing well, we must get in behind them. We must encourage women into politics when we can. A young woman yesterday left the stage of politics, or is at least talking about leaving the stage. That is a great shame because losing someone of the talent of Saoirse McHugh to the arena of politics is not good for politics. I would like to see the women in the Seanad and the Dáil getting out there and encouraging more women into politics.It does not matter whether it is done through the party system or independently, as I have done, the doors are there and they can be opened so please go for it.

I second the call by Senator Ned O'Sullivan for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House. A colleague of mine in Louth, Councillor Paddy McQuillan, has suggested that proceeds of drug crime be used for rehabilitation services. If the Minister, Deputy McEntee, came to the House to discuss this, I would be very appreciative.