Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I warmly welcome the ambassador of the Czech Republic, a beautiful country I have visited many times. He is very welcome to the Upper House of our Parliament.I wish to use my time to give thanks and pay a brief tribute to the Clerk of Dáil Éireann. Why do I say Dáil Éireann when I mean Seanad Éireann? Mr. Peter Finnegan formally departs us today. He is a man of immense record, integrity, hard work and commitment. While we will see him around, and it is for Peter to do his own farewells, announcement and speech, I have worked very closely with him in the audit committee of the Oireachtas and other committees here, and I know of his wealth and breadth of experience, integrity and guidance to both Houses. Why I say it in this House is because it is last day for Peter but also he is the Secretary General of the Oireachtas. What an onerous responsibility that is. Members know there is much public commentary about the inner workings of these Houses. It is Peter who heads that up with the commission. I take this opportunity to wish him well. Members will have a lot opportunities themselves. It is important we put it on the record. We have already paid great tribute to Mr. Martin Groves, our former clerk, and I hope there will be confirmation of the clerks in both Houses shortly. I know Peter well. He has done an amazing job. He is here day and night. He is fully committed to the institution and, more importantly, the reputation of this Parliament. He has served us with absolute distinction, way beyond what most Secretaries General would do, and that is not to take away from Secretaries General. I wish Peter and his family every success and say "Many thanks". We would be lost without him. There are always new people coming and I know that he will share his breadth of knowledge and experience with the people who follow him. To Peter and his family, I wish them well and know I join with Members in wishing him well and a happy retirement. I have no doubt he will have more time to do the things he loves to do. Well done to Peter.