Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That Senator Maria Byrne be elected Leas-Cathaoirleach."

It gives me great privilege to propose the name of my good friend and colleague Senator Maria Byrne for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. I would like to acknowledge Senator Byrne's mum, Helen, who is watching online, and give a special mention to her aunt and uncle, Teresa and Paul, who are also watching in.

Maria has long political experience. She is a former member of Limerick City Council, to which she was first elected in 1999. She served as mayor of the treaty city from 2010 to 2011. She is an experienced Senator and is in her second full term. She also won a by-election in the previous Seanad. As a result, she is used to the ups and downs of political life. All those experiences have moulded Maria into the caring and compassionate colleague and person who she is today.

Coming from a business and hospitality background, Maria has experience across a number of briefs in the Seanad. She served as our party's spokesperson on education and skills and finance. The skills and knowledge gained over these years will stand her in good stead as Leas-Chathaoirleach. Above all, Maria is a Senator who has the respect and good regard of our colleagues across the Chamber. She is approachable, a good listener, very fair and balanced and has all the qualities, attributes and skills to make an exceptional Leas-Chathaoirleach. I am delighted to propose Maria Byrne to be Leas-Chathaoirleach.