Rebecca Moynihan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Labour Party group, I welcome Senator Buttimer to his position as Cathaoirleach. As Senator Chambers said, it is a very special day and a very special honour for someone like Senator Buttimer, who has played such a long role in public service. I welcome Conchobar, Mary, John, William watching at home and the Cathaoirleach's nieces and nephew, because it is not just the Cathaoirleach who is taking this role; it is part of his family.

Quoting both Judy Garland and Joni Mitchell is quite the departure on the part of an incoming speech from a Cathaoirleach but in that speech, he hit the ground running in terms of initiatives.Also, he clearly indicated the Seanad he will lead will be an outward-looking one that protects the voices of minorities, as we have always done, and recognises the challenges we will face as a country over the coming years. It is interesting that he mentioned we are 30 years on from the decriminalisation of homosexuality. While that seems like a long time, it is actually a relatively short time in a lifetime. There are still people, particularly men, living under the shadow of that criminalisation and its consequences. It just shows us how far we have come that we can elect a proud member of the LGBTI community who is sharing the occasion with his partner in life, who is also his legal partner. This is a big deal. I am delighted for the Cathaoirleach in this regard. We should recognise that the incoming Taoiseach and outgoing Tánaiste, Deputy Leo Varadkar, was in the Gallery to watch the occasion.

Commiserations to Senator Boyhan, who was an excellent alternative candidate. He embodies the strength of this House. His day will come, although not today. How he conducted himself, how he spoke and how the Cathaoirleach spoke about him show what a great candidate he was and how much respect he garners across the House.

I pay tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, for his tribute to this House. He made the House outward-looking and internationalist in its approach, building relationships both in Ireland and overseas.

I welcome Senator Chambers to the position of Leader. She has very big boots to fill after Senator Doherty, who very much pushed the boundaries over recent years, including through Private Members' Bills, asserting the independence of the Seanad, pushing back against the Government and not taking any pushback from it. Senator Chambers will be more than able to do this. As an exceptional, competent parliamentarian, she will make an excellent Leader.

It has been a pleasure to watch Senators Doherty and Chambers work in tandem over the past two and a half years and to see the respect they both have for each other. I welcome Senator Chambers to the position she will hold for the next two and a half years.