Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is difficult to believe that today's Order of Business is the last one in this Dáil and Seanad term. Something that is very close to my heart is services supporting women and children who are going through domestic violence. I have spoken numerous times about being in a refuge myself as a child. There will be an event on 16 November in Drogheda. One of the ushers, Brian Howard-Andrews, is hosting a Tina Turner lip sync event in Drogheda. Last year, they raised approximately €8,500 and this year we hope to raise €15,000. It involves local businesses. For one of the ushers to approach me and ask me to become a judge and build up those relationships over recent years has been absolutely incredible.

I thank Deputies Thomas Pringle and Catherine Connolly and Senators Alice-Mary Higgins, Frances Black and Lynn Ruane for not just being very good colleagues but absolutely great friends. I also thank Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív, who is a member of Fianna Fáil, and I believe that during the past four years he did not give me any handouts - far from it - but always gave me a hand-up and spoke truth to power when it came to the inequalities Travellers experience in society. I genuinely mean this with all of my heart when I say that every single person in this House - whether I agree or disagree with them - has educated me. I thank each and every one of the Members here for being part of my journey. I thank them for opening up their eyes and listening to me. I hope I have broken down some prejudices within these Houses. With all my heart I thank the broadcasters as well. Billie and Lacey get to see me on the television. I thank the ushers, kitchen staff, bar staff, and the clerks of the Seanad who go above and beyond for us all. On that note, thanks so much and I wish everyone every success.