Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election as the 25th holder of the office. He referred to his parents in his remarks. That brings to mind the observation often made by the former President, Mary McAleese, that those who drink the water should never forget those who dug the well. The Cathaoirleach's parents instilled in him and his brother a love of public service. The role of Cathaoirleach is a challenging job that will require the new holder of the office to take a lot of time away from home, his husband and all his nieces and nephews. It is important on this, the Cathaoirleach's great day, that he acknowledge his family and recall his parents and the love of service they instilled in him.

While we are keeping in mind those who dug the well, it is important to acknowledge the father of the House and the great service he has given. We are all drinking from the well he dug for so many minority communities in this country. One hundred years on from the establishment of this House, he is one of the people who has given reality to the idea of minority voices leading to major changes, as has the Cathaoirleach. People in this House are champions of those causes.

The Cathaoirleach's outline of the programme and initiatives he will undertake in his term in office included a reference to the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Again we recall those who dug the well and ensured we can now enjoy the peace we have. There are people alive in Ireland today because of that agreement and I know the Cathaoirleach will do a great job in honouring the people who participated in making it possible. This House and people who served in it were part of that process, many of them working quietly behind the scenes. We can do a great job, under the Cathaoirleach's leadership, in acknowledging that work.

The Cathaoirleach also referred to an initiative to mark the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland. The effort to bring equal rights to all our citizens is something that eludes us still in many ways. The disabilities initiative is welcome because it will allows us to open the door of the House to that particular minority community. We must work with, and open our door to, all the different communities and organisations. As the Cathaoirleach takes up his role, I know he has a great few years ahead.

It is important to thank, as the Cathaoirleach has done, the outgoing Leader of the House, who has done a great job, and the outgoing Government Whip, Senator Kyne, who had a challenging job, not least in organising a prison breakout, which must be his highest achievement so far. I congratulate the incoming Leader, Senator Chambers, and the incoming Government Whip, who I know will do a fantastic job. We will have an opportunity later to say more about them.

I thank Senator Boyhan for putting his name forward for election as Cathaoirleach. He is a great colleague and parliamentarian who has been extraordinary in his holding of people to account, especially the Government. It is the job of the Opposition to hold the Government to account in order to make the changes that are necessary in the legislation that comes through this House for the benefit all the citizens of the State.

I thank the outgoing Leas-Chathaoirleach, who was a great friend and colleague over the past couple of years.

I again congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. I know he will do a fantastic job.