Garret Kelleher (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhghairdeas leat as a bheith tofa don dara huair. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go geal leat i do dara tréimhse mar Chathaoirleach an tSeanaid.

Like everybody else, I congratulate Senators on their election or appointment to the Seanad. I have been very encouraged and heartened by the contributions that have been made to date. While it is interesting to hear of topics that are of particular concern to individual members, it is very clear we also have an awful lot in common. I was especially heartened to hear the contributions on the future of the island and how we move towards creating a better future for the whole island. Senator Clonan, whom I have never met previously, hit the nail on the head when he said it is very important when we speak about a united Ireland that we are not speaking about 26 plus six equals one but that we strive towards a new country in which everybody is equally welcome. In the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, that is something we should move towards with consent and inclusion and it is certainly something I look forward to playing a part in.

Various references were made to conflicts outside of our own country.It is very important to have a balanced approach to resolution and bringing about peace in other parts of the world, especially in Gaza, Palestine and throughout the Middle East, to recognise there is fault on both sides and to play our part, in as constructive a manner as we possibly can, in helping to bring about a lasting peace settlement there.

I take the opportunity to thank the people who placed their trust in me in past elections, most particularly in the recent election to this Chamber, including TDs, outgoing Senators and, in particular, city and county councillors. I was heartened to hear the references made to the importance of strengthening local government. It is very important we look to place additional trust in the 949 elected city and county councillors around the country in playing their part. Equally, we should look to strengthen regional government, which has been weak in this State since its inception. The three regional assemblies have a much greater role to play than they do at present. We should look to the opportunity to strengthen regional government.

I thank my family - my wife, Leona, my children, Siún, Cormac, Cian and Sibéal, my mother and father, Gerry and Katie, and my three sisters and my brother - and all my supporters and friends. I again congratulate everybody here in the Chamber. I thank people in my community. Senator Clonan mentioned that he is the only Member of the House from Finglas. I am pretty sure I am the only Oireachtas Member to have come from my parish of Ovens. I hope to do my best in the Seanad Chamber for the people of Ballincollig and across the south-west ward whom I represent. I look forward to working with all colleagues in the term ahead to do the best job we can do for the country. Go raibh míle maith agat, a Chathaoirligh, agus go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.