Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús báire, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach as a hoifig nua. Is é sin mo chéad uair sa Seanad i gcomhair díospóireachta. Is mór an onóir dom a bheith anseo mar Aire Cirt agus Dlí. Déanaim comhghairdeas freisin le gach Seanadóir atá anseo inniu.

This is my first time before Seanad Éireann speaking as Minister for justice, home affairs and migration. In fact, it is my first time speaking before Seanad Éireann.

First, I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on her election. I commiserate with Senator Flynn in respect of putting herself forward for the position and not succeeding on this occasion. As we all know in politics, there is always another day.

Before dealing with the motion before the Seanad, I am very conscious that, as Minister for Justice, I will be frequently before Seanad Éireann but, hopefully, not as frequently as other Ministers for Justice were here. Sometimes when I think of the job of Minister for Justice I think of a former Minister, Charlie Flanagan, who spent many an occasion here in respect of one piece of legislation.