Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Boyhan, I am conscious of the time of day and the time of year. I am sure everybody, including the new officeholders, will want to get out the gap. I spoke earlier about the Cathaoirleach's appointment and congratulated him on that. I wish him well and, likewise, Senator Mark Daly in the context of both his former role and what will no doubt be his upcoming role.

I will take a few minutes to convey my personal thanks and recognition on my own behalf and that of the Sinn Féin group to Senator Joe O'Reilly. I have come to discover, as many others have, that he is a sage. He is, in his heart, an educator. Every day is a school day with him and we in this House benefit from his wisdom and experience. I thank him for the way he has very attentively, respectfully and enthusiastically and in a very committed way undertook his stewardship of the Seanad and, in particular, in his role as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I think I speak for all Senators, certainly those on this side of the Chamber, when I say that we are appreciative and respectful of the contribution he made over the past two and a half years,. I know he is not going anywhere. I hope he will, as I will, give the incumbents plenty to do to keep them on their toes over whatever term await us.

I wanted to put on the record my own personal buíochas leis. Shíl mé a mhór den mhéad a dúirt sé ní ba luaithe faoin nGaeilge. Mhol sé dár gcomh-Ghael, an Cathaoirleach, an Seanadóir Buttimer, go gcuirfeadh sé an teanga chun tosaigh. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil an Cathaoirleach thar a bheith díograiseach faoi sin agus go ndéanfaidh sé sin agus é ina shuíochán nua. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir Joe O’Reilly agus guím comhghairdeas leis as téarma den chéad scoth. Guím rath ar cibé Seanadóir a thoghfar sa ról nua.