Senator Bacik speaking on the first day of the 24th Seanad

For video, click here.

Senator Ivana Bacik: I thank Senator Norris for his eloquent address and gracious welcome to all of us, both those of us who were re-elected and to the new Senators too. Like Senator Cummins I extend a welcome to all the familiar faces and new faces in the Seanad Chamber. I am delighted to see everyone. I am especially delighted - as Senator Norris indicated - to see so many women. Nearly one third of Seanad Members are women. I am delighted also to be leader of the Labour group, which is made up of 50% of women - the highest representation we have had of women in any political group.

I second the nomination of Senator Paddy Burke as Cathaoirleach. I have known him a little less long than Senator Cummins has - since I was first elected in 2007. He was Leas-Chathaoirleach for the duration of the previous Seanad. He always brought a great measure of impartiality, fairness and calmness under pressure to that role. He is also a complete gentleman, very affable, personable, a warm and kind-hearted man who will be eminently well suited to carrying out the role of Cathaoirleach. I know he will do so in a way that is fair and that he will not be afraid to keep us in order when the need arises. I am sure he will not let us get away with much.

We face tough economic times. We have had a week in which we have seen two very uplifting events with the visit of Queen Elizabeth and President Barack Obama. Although it was a very sad occasion the funeral of Garret FitzGerald was an uplifting one too. I add my voice to those who wish to offer sympathy to his family. His funeral reminded us of the transformative power of politics and of what can be done by those in political life who uphold the high standards he did.

We in the Seanad face our own particular challenge in this institution. It is up to all of us as Senators in the 24th Seanad to make the case for an effective and radical Seanad that can play its part actively in cultivating debate, taking on challenging issues and in dealing with legislation in a way that brings a higher level of scrutiny to bear than can be borne in one House alone. With those words I second the proposal to nominate Senator Burke as Cathaoirleach.