Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Very many congratulations to you.

It is said that a healthy democracy requires a decent society and also requires that we be honourable, generous, tolerant and respectful. The Cathaoirleach absolutely embodies all those qualities, as I know from the time in which I have got to know him and from stories I have heard about him from my brother-in-law, Jim Ryan, from Cork and, of course, my Fine Gael colleagues. He has the gravitas, presence and dignity to represent the Seanad at home and abroad. Added to that, he has great vision and a creative sense as to where the Seanad can go.

It is important that each Cathaoirleach have the opportunity to put an individual stamp on the role. The new Cathaoirleach outlined his respect for the Defence Forces. We all join him in honouring the memory of Private Rooney and all the Defence Forces' members who serve at home and abroad. The Cathaoirleach talked about disability, equality and inclusion. In this regard, the Seanad has a very strong record.

It is wonderful that the Cathaoirleach is joined here by his husband, Conchobar, family members and his extended family and friends, and also, of course, the Fine Gael family. I have no doubt about how proud they all are of him. I am not from his party but I am incredibly proud of him today.

I compliment the outgoing Cathaoirleach. I have been looking for words to describe Mark. He is irrepressible in terms of all he can do. He obviously has tremendous capacity and potential. During the week, I saw there was a Kerry motto, namely "Comhar, cabhair agus cáirdeas", meaning "Co-operation, help and friendship". These characteristics very much epitomised Senator Mark Daly's approach as Cathaoirleach. He has done an incredible job and I wish him well regarding what may happen in the next few hours or the future.

I pay tribute to my colleague, Senator Boyhan. Although he spoke about his roots in Dún Laoghaire, he is very proud of his Lilywhite roots in Narraghmore, County Kildare. We are very proud of him. He holds us all to account in a very proper way. He is such a proud Member of the Oireachtas and has such an incredible knowledge of Standing Orders. He has incredible empathy and expertise in the workings of the House. I thank him for putting his name forward. It was with regret that I could not vote for him but I assure him he most certainly had my number two.

I also congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his role over the past two and a half years. He has been an excellent colleague, both here and at the Council of Europe, together with Senators Garvey, Boylan and Gavan. I congratulate him on his time in the Chair. I wish Senator Garvey well on her becoming leader of the Green group.

Let me say a few words about Senator Doherty. I will have the opportunity to wish my colleagues, Senators Chambers and Gallagher, well the next time we are here. I heard the unfortunate term used last week, namely, that the Seanad was "Dáil-lite". I really did not think that was a good term at all. I can honestly say that the Dáil's loss was the Seanad's gain in having Senator Doherty as a Member and the Leader over the past two and a half years. Without a doubt, she is one of the finest parliamentarians of this generation. She is somebody I have looked up to, not just as a woman in politics but also as a parliamentarian. Her sense of empathy and understanding of where people are at in their lives came across very much in the past two and a half years and when she was in the Dáil. Senator Chambers pointed out that she has learned so much from Senator Doherty. It is an incredible legacy to have been able to work in tandem with someone and offer and share lessons. It is an incredibly generous thing for a politician to do. I thank Senator Doherty for the past two and a half years. We look forward to working with her in her role as Deputy Leader.