Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I offer sympathies to the family of Seán Rooney, a young man of 23. The young men and women who have joined the Irish Defence Forces, Óglaigh na hÉireann, have taken on the mantle, responsibility and weight of representing Ireland and wearing the Irish flag abroad, as this young man did. We need to remember it is a sacrifice given on behalf of Ireland. We in the Houses of the Oireachtas should pay tribute to and acknowledge what has been done in our name and Ireland's name. I thank the Leader, Senator Doherty, who has managed the role so well for the past number of years. As a brand-new Senator, I have got to see how everything works, from the flow of legislation through to accommodating all Senators and groups, engaging through statements and motions and having the opportunity to speak on the topics of concern to us. I also acknowledge the Deputy Leader, Senator Chambers, and the Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, who allows us to speak and gives us a little leeway with time here and there, and also the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Joe O'Reilly, who has done an excellent job.

This year has flown. I thank all Senators for their support and the staff of the Houses and the staff in my office at home. I wish everyone a happy Christmas. We talk about our Christmas wish list. For me, it is being able to seeing the amount of legislation we are able to enact in law and the ground-breaking changes we are making. Just today, we saw legislation on maternity leave for councillors. I think of the changes we make daily, such as what Senator Seery Kearney has been able to do on surrogacy. As Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the committees, we are part of change and I am really proud to be part of that.