Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask all Members on all sides of the Chamber to have a reflective look at the clocks in Leinster House in their contributions post Easter.

Before I ask the Leader to reply to the Order of Business, on a personal level as Cathaoirleach, I thank the Taoiseach for his courtesy to all of us as Members of Seanad Éireann. I join Senator McDowell in thanking him for his personal commitment to public service as a Minister and Teachta Dála and as Tánaiste and Taoiseach. As we said, he served in extraordinary times that included an economic recession, Brexit, a pandemic, a war, an energy crisis and the events in the Middle East. I thank him for his service, commitment and personal generosity to many of us in this House.

I also pay tribute to former Deputy Emmet Stagg, who passed away during our recess. He was a gentleman with whom I had the pleasure of serving, as have some colleagues in this House. One might disagree with him on some matters, but he was always courteous, collegial and most gracious. I offer my sympathies to his family today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.