Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate our Cathaoirleach, Senator Buttimer, Conchobar, and all his family. They are so proud of him and everything he has achieved. Today is a dream of a lifetime. The Cathaoirleach should take every moment and enjoy it. The Cathaoirleach has said it is a privilege to be in the House and that each and every day he walks in is a privilege. We have heard how much this means to him in his speech and means a lot to us to hear that. I know he will shape the role. In his opening speech, the Cathaoirleach spoke about engaging MLAs in Northern Ireland, it being 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement, celebrating ground-breaking legislation and recognising Billy Fox, along with many other achievements he has in his plan.

I was in awe on my first day at the calibre of people here. I still am. Every day I am learning. I thank the outgoing Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Joe O'Reilly, for his eloquence, poetry and language. I thank the former Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, on his achievements for the Seanad 100 centenary commemoration. I have learned so much from Senator Doherty's taking of the Order of Business. She is so articulate and able to draw people together and draw together many different perspectives. I welcome our new Leader, Senator Chambers. Our outgoing Chief Whip, Senator Kyne, kept us all in line in recent times. He is so considerate and measured. He works with a very strong Mayo lady, Deirdre Chambers. Senator Pauline O'Reilly is a fellow Galway representative. She has given a lot as the Green Party leader in the Seanad. I welcome Senator Garvey from Inagh, County Clare, as the new Green Party Leader.

What wonderful tributes we are hearing for the Cathaoirleach today. I have heard many new stories that I did not know before. Even as a recent new Senator, we have become friends and it means a lot. He has always given time and tips along the way. He is well known not only in Cork but also in Galway, Roscommon and Ballinasloe. I ask him to remember the great people in our towns, as well as our cities throughout Ireland. He has heart and passion. He has a heart big enough for the country. I wish him the best from the west of Ireland. I want him to take all of his energy and fly high. I want him to exceed all expectations. As the Saw Doctors sang, "To win just once would be enough".