Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh, agus comhghairdeas leat. A Chathaoirligh, I rise today to wish you congratulations on your election and to congratulate each and every one of the new and returning Senators here today. I also think of the Senators, who have been referred to, who ran and were not re-elected and those who put their names forward.

This House has always been proactive in terms of trying to work together on different issues for the greater good. Certainly, under your leadership, a Chathaoirligh, and from having served with you in the past, you will put your best foot forward in terms of representation but also in terms of fairness in this House. I wish you all the best.

I also congratulate my colleague, Senator Kyne, on becoming Leader of the House. I believe you will work together collectively as will the other group leaders and the different people who will serve in the different roles. I wish Senator Kyne all the best. I look forward to working with him and colleagues across this House.

Many counties have been mentioned here. I am afraid Senator Craughwell would be upset if I did not say that I am from Limerick and the mid-west. There are three Senators here from Limerick today. I look forward to working with them but also with colleagues from the mid-west for the development of the west.