Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Tréaslaím leis an gCathaoirleach as an éacht seo, a bheith tofa an athuair mar Chathaoirleach ar Sheanad Éireann. Déanaim comhghairdeas le gach duine atá tofa don Teach seo. Is léir go bhfuil éagsúlacht againn ó thaobh cúlra agus na scileanna éagsúla atá ag daoine. Táim thar a bheith dóchasach go mbeidh díospóireachtaí maithe againn chun leas na tíre amach anseo.

I thank and welcome the Cathaoirleach, congratulate him on his second appointment as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and wish him continued success in the role as he has had before. I welcome the family members of new Members here today and the new Members in particular. It is clear that we have once again great variety and diversity in the Seanad. I am very proud to be one of the super representation from County Galway in the Chamber. It occurred to me that if one adds up all the different people from all the different counties here today, it seems to come to much more than 60, which baffles me somewhat.

As a Galway man, I take this opportunity - the House will understand why - to express sympathy to the family of Michael Coleman, a great Galway hurler who died unexpectedly and tragically in recent days, and a man from my neighbouring county, Councillor Anthony Waldron, whom many Members knew. I see quite a few people here today whom I voted for and a few others whom I promised to vote for. Nílim ach ag magadh.