Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate all those who are rotating roles, namely, Senators Pauline O'Reilly, Garvey, Kyne and Gallagher, as well as the Leader and Deputy Leader. I acknowledge in particular the outgoing Leader, Senator Doherty, who spoke beautifully on the Order of Business yesterday about her experience of coming into the Seanad and what it means to her. During her period as Leader, we have faced very particular challenges and I have seen how much she cares about this House. Indeed, she spoke about moving from the somewhat adversarial framework of the other House to the more collaborative way of working here in the Seanad, wherein we look for what is possible to do. However, she has retained the fighting spirit when necessary, not within the Chamber but for the Chamber and for the importance, for example, of the Seanad's role in legislative scrutiny. I know the new Leader, Senator Chambers, will bring to the role the same care, commitment and understanding of the seriousness of the work we do. I also know she will bring the international perspective she has often brought to bear on issues being discussed in the House. I look forward to that.

I was proud to nominate Senator Boyhan as Cathaoirleach. I have already said so many nice things about him that I cannot say any more. I rarely say so many nice things in a row. However, I meant every one of them and they are absolutely true of Senator Boyhan as a parliamentarian. I am sure he will perform the same roles from the Opposition benches of vigilance, meeting challenges and constructive engagement, as I outlined.

I have spoken about the achievements of Senator Mark Daly as Cathaoirleach. He was transformative and has raised the bar on the role. He made it clear his focus was not solely on what happens here in the Chamber but also on being an advocate and champion for the Seanad within the Oireachtas and within wider society. The possibilities in that regard are huge.

I was moved and excited to hear the new Cathaoirleach, whom I congratulate warmly, talking about those possibilities. The themes he has outlined are interesting, important and exciting. I look forward immensely to engaging with him on them. They cut to the core of the importance of minority voices, the role the Seanad plays in the wider project that is Ireland and the role we all play as parliamentarians in the wider global project of democracy. The idea that people make decisions collectively through parliamentary process, for the common good, is something we should never take for granted and is a right that has been hard-won not just in Ireland but throughout the world.The themes the Cathaoirleach outlined are exciting, interesting and important. I very much look forward to engaging with him.

I also note that as leader of my group in the previous Oireachtas, I had the privilege of working with the Cathaoirleach when he was Leader. He is somebody who is always looking to how we can move forward, work together and be constructive, and allow space on the schedule for important policy formation discussions and proper legislative scrutiny, which is so important to what we do in the House. I know he will continue in that vein even more so in his new role. I also know, and for me it comes back to this, that he is passionate about the Seanad and cares about what we do here. He will bring that care and personal warmth to everything he does. I warmly congratulate him and his family. I wish him a very enjoyable holiday before the immense amount of work that will be waiting for him when he returns in January.