Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the proposal. It is great to see Senator Norris back in the Chamber and sitting in the Chair, albeit for a few moments, although I understand he will give us an address so he could possess the Chair for rather a few moments.

It is my honour to second the nomination of Senator Jerry Buttimer. I have known Senator Buttimer since September 1984, which was just a few years before Senator Norris became a Member of this House. I am delighted to have the opportunity to second him and, with the permission of the Acting Chairperson, say a few words in doing so.

I welcome his family to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, particularly his husband Conchobar, whom I got to know over recent years. I understand we are joined by video by Father Seán O'Leary from Taiwan, who is Senator Buttimer's brother-in-law and Conchobar's brother.I would like to acknowledge that he is listening in to proceedings here this morning.

Senator Buttimer is more than well qualified to serve as Cathaoirleach of this House. He was an excellent Leader of the Seanad and in that role he always served and represented this House with commitment, dedication and passion. He demonstrated his ability to work with Senators across the House with respect and understanding. No one can accuse him of not getting quickly to the point when he wanted to and I know that is something he will bring to the Chair of this House as well. That fact that he was an excellent Leader is in itself reason enough to support this nomination here today but it is only one of several important reasons I am honoured to second Senator Buttimer and ask my colleagues to support him.

In electing Senator Buttimer to the position of Cathaoirleach, we are, as his colleagues and as Senators, sending a clear signal about how we view this place and see it as representing the best of the Ireland of today. If successful, Senator Buttimer will become the first openly gay Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann in its 100-year history. A proud Cork man, Senator Buttimer hails from Bishopstown and it was there he learned the great importance of community to our personal identity, our development and our values. Via his late mother, Nancy, a nurse, and his late father, Jerry, the highly regarded CEO of the COPE Foundation, the Cork-based not-for-profit foundation that supports adults and children with intellectual disabilities, he saw how giving of yourself to your community and society, benefits you and improves life for all. As a teacher and later as a director of adult education, Senator Buttimer showed this commitment to and passion for education, both as an agent for lifelong personal development and as an advocate for equality and social justice. Senator Buttimer will come to the post of Cathaoirleach with a strong record of political service from his time as a councillor on Cork County Council from 2004 to 2007, to his two full terms in this House - he is halfway through his third one at the moment - and one term in the other place. I have no doubt Senator Buttimer will preside over the Seanad with fairness and impartiality and that his conduct of the business in this House will be fair and always in accordance with the letter and spirit of our Standing Orders. This is all we ask of our Cathaoirleach and it is what we will get if we elect Senator Jerry Buttimer. Táim bródúil as ainm an tSeanadóra Buttimer a chur os comhar an Tí don phost mar Chathaoirleach.