Seán Barrett T.D., Ceann Comhairle

Welcome

It is a great honour to have been elected as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. The position of Ceann Comhairle, or Chairman, is a key role in any parliamentary democracy in striking the right balance between maintaining order in the House, allowing Members to take part in debate and making sure that parliamentary business is conducted in an efficient, fair and impartial manner.

I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set by previous Cinn Comhairligh and will maintain the excellent record of impartiality and fairness which has been the hallmark of this office.

But I am also very aware that for the Dáil to be as effective as possible in serving the people, the House and its administration must also continue to be modernised. We need a modern Parliament for a modern age. We need a modern Dáil in which there is open and constructive debate.

I look forward to playing my part in building on the improvements made in the previous Dáil and in meeting the challenge of providing a Parliament that is more relevant, fit for purpose, efficient and effective to deal with the challenges we face as a nation.

Sean Barrett, TD, Ceann Comhairle