I wish to offer some words of welcome. Ba mhaith liom fáilte mór a chur roimh an Teachta nua do Dhún na nGall Thiar Theas, an Teachta Piaras Ó Dochartaigh. Gan dabht, thug muintir an Dáilcheantair sin freagra don Rialtas agus thacaigh siad leis an Teachta Ó Dochartaigh agus le Sinn Féin. I extend a warm welcome to the newly elected Deputy for Donegal South-West, Pearse Doherty. I also welcome his wife, Róisín, and his mother, Gráinne, who are both with us. I recognise that the weather has prevented many more people from attending, including family, friends and the extended organisation from Donegal South-West who, unfortunately, cannot be with us here today. Comhghairdeas leo agu fáilte rompu go léir. Deputy Doherty is deserving of every commendation for his courageous stand in vindicating the rights of the people of Donegal South-West through the courts and for his role as an elected representative of the people for many years, representation that has now secured the overwhelming support of the people in Donegal South-West in last week's by-election.
In particular, I commend the Sinn Féin organisation in Donegal South-West and throughout the country which mustered help to ensure the success of the recent campaign. Clearly, it is a forerunner of a general election that we hope will be held sooner rather than later. I reserve my final and most important thanks for the voters and electors of Donegal South-West, who responded magnificently to the appeal of Deputy Pearse Doherty and Sinn Féin when they accorded him such a resounding victory in last Thursday's poll. Go raibh céad míle maith acu uilig. The newly-elected Deputy Doherty will make his maiden contribution to the proceedings of the House at 8.20 p.m. this evening at the conclusion of Private Members' business. Go raibh céad míle maith agat arís. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Teachta Piaras Ó Dochartaigh.