Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach as a colleague and a good friend. We happen to share the same hotel and he has been great company over the years. He has had some tough days also. I acknowledge and congratulate Senator Buttimer's husband, Conchobar, and all of the members of his family. I also acknowledge his late parents. There is one member of his extended family that Senator Buttimer did not mention. This is a very important member of his household and that is his cat, Brexit. I am sure she will give him lots of love over the weekend when she understands the new position he has.

I will take this opportunity to congratulate my colleague, Senator Joe O'Reilly, who has done an exceptional job as Leas-Chathaoirleach. As others have said, Senator O'Reilly is a gentleman and a very sociable person. I wish him well.

I acknowledge the outgoing Leader. Senator Doherty has done an exemplary job on scrutinising legislation, particularly the aviation Bill in which she and the Cathaoirleach took a particular interest. This is what the Seanad is about. It is about ensuring issues and concerns are raised and pursued and changes are made. I acknowledge Senator Doherty on her role as Leader. She has been exceptional. She is a very brave individual and I wish her well as the incoming Deputy Leader. I welcome and congratulate Senator Chambers on taking up the position of Leader. As others have said she is a very formidable individual and someone I do not believe will take any hostages. She will do a good job and use the platform of ordering business to listen to the concerns raised on the Order of Business about issues we would like to see debated. I know there is a long list.

I congratulate the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly. He is the only Cathaoirleach I have experienced as a Member of the House. While I am familiar with the work of others, I know Senator Daly did the job with enthusiasm and zeal. Despite being impeded to a degree by Brexit and the challenges it forced on the Houses and society he has done a remarkable job.

I thank everybody for their courtesy during my time as Government Chief Whip. I wish Senator Gallagher well in the role. As we come to the second half of the election cycle, and with society recently opening up after Covid, people have started to wander more and have not always been here. There can be scary moments in the job of Chief Whip. I do not envy Senator Gallagher's task in the second half of the term. I know he will do a good job in ensuring the Government continues to win votes in the Chamber, where we have substantial majority.

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach, Conchobar, and his family and wish a happy Christmas to all.