Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Is cúis áthais dom tacaíocht a thabhairt don mholadh go mbeidh Maria Byrne tofa mar Leas-Chathaoirleach. Is iarrthóir den chéad scoth í.

Before I make another few remarks, I acknowledge the presence of Maria's colleague the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, in the Gallery. The Minister of State has stepped out of the Chamber for a moment. I also acknowledge councillor Rachel Kerley, and former colleague and Senator emeritus Catherine Noone, who are also in the Gallery.

It is a great pleasure for me to join with the in proposing Maria Byrne for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. Maria is respected across the House.She is very collegial, a good colleague and people like her, which is important for the role. That she is liked and trusted by people would be important as she sought to keep order. She would have buy-in from the Members. People know Maria does things for the right reasons and she is very principled and motivated. This all matters.

As Senator Kyne pointed out, Senator Maria Byrne is a distinguished former Mayor of Limerick. She is a former member of Limerick City and County Council and the EU Committee of the Regions. When she had her slight sabbatical, to which Senator Kyne alluded, she used it to pursue a masters degree. She is not just a woman of political letters; she also is a woman of academic letters. This also brings a gravitas and a level of awareness and intellectual depth that would be necessary in the role. For all of these reasons, and the general decency of the person which is the ultimate consideration, I am very proud and happy to second the nomination of Senator Maria Byrne as Leas-Chathaoirleach.