Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, you are all very welcome for the first meeting of our new Seanad. I congratulate everybody who has been elected or selected to serve in this House. I also remember those who were, unfortunately, unsuccessful in their attempt to be re-elected to this House. It is important to remember them here today as well.

I will say a few words. First, as a Cavan man, I am delighted to be joined by four other Senators from County Cavan. I think it is the first time that has ever happened, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the years ahead.

I wish to especially mention Senator Joseph O’Reilly. Senator O’Reilly came to this House many years before I did, in 1989, and served here for one period before taking a sabbatical to return to his teaching profession. He eventually returned here and then took a short spell in the other place, which is known as the Lower House.I am delighted that I may have the title of father of the House for the longest continuous service here, but I acknowledge that Senator O'Reilly is here the longest of us all. It is good to salute him.

This House is a place where individuals can show courage and be outspoken. Since its foundation, things have been said and governments have listened and been held to account. Having had the honour and privilege of being a Member of this House since 2002, not a day has passed when I have not felt thankful to those who have placed their trust in me. I thank them most sincerely for their support. I believe that the Seanad's true role is to be a check and balance on the Dáil. It is at its best as a questioning and revising Chamber that provides a vital independent voice.

I take this opportunity to thank my family for their support. Without their assistance, I would not be able to be in politics and to have served in this House for 23 years. I thank all members of the staff of this House, including the Clerk and his assistants, the official reporters, the ushers, and the catering and bar staff, and my friends across the political parties for their guidance, help and assistance over that period of time. Today, I remember those who have served with me since 2002, including those who have gone to their eternal reward.

The new Members of the Seanad will find that we are generally a happy and constructive bunch of people. However, that changes from time to time depending on the circumstances. It would be remiss of me not to mention the historic building in which we sit and how lucky we are to serve our country in the former home of the great Irish family of the patriot Lord Edward FitzGerald. I congratulate all Senators on their membership of this great House, one of the most important Houses of our Oireachtas. I wish them well for what I hope will be our five-year period.

I will now accept a proposer and seconder for any motion in relation to the election of Cathaoirleach. I call Senator O'Loughlin.