Tairgim go dtoghfaí an Teachta Proinnsias O Fathaigh chun bheith in a Cheann Comhairle ar an Dáil. Bhí sé 'na Cheann Comhairle ar an Seachtadh agus an Ochtadh Dáil agus 'sé mo thuairim go raibh gach Teachta, is cuma cé'n taobh go raibh baint aige leis, sásta leis an slí in ar stiúraigh sé obair na Dála ar feadh na h-aimsire sin. Bhí sé cóir, cneasta, lághach i gcomhnuí agus thug sé comhairle a leasa do gach duine. Mar sin, 'sé mo thuairim nach féidir linn rud is fearr do dhéanamh ná é do thogha arís. Dá bhrí sin, cuirim an moladh seo os comhair na Dála.
Election of Ceann Comhairle.
I beg to second the motion that Deputy Frank Fahy be elected as Ceann Comhairle of this House. During the period that Deputy Fahy has occupied the Chair he has displayed a very high standard of dignity. His decisions have been characterised by an absolute impartiality, and I think it will be within the recollection of all Deputies who have had previous experience of the Dáil that he has at all times displayed unfailing courtesy to each and every one of them. His rulings have always been leavened by tact, by understanding, by a scrupulous regard for the rights of individual members of the House, and by a forbearance for which each and every one of us, on occasions, have been entitled to feel thankful. His occupancy of the Chair has conferred a great honour upon himself, but it has conferred even greater honour upon this House. I think the election of Deputy Fahy to the position of Ceann Comhairle will confer still greater honour and greater dignity upon the House; in fact, I know of no person more worthy to fill that high post.
Question—"That Deputy Frank Fahy be elected and do now take the Chair of the Dáil as Ceann Comhairle"—put by the Clerk and agreed to unanimously.
Whereupon the Deputies present rose in their places and remained standing while the Ceann Comhairle proceeded to the Dais.
Standing beside the Chair, the Ceann Comhairle, addressing the Dáil, said: A Chó-Theachtaí, táim fíor bhuideach díbh i ngeall ar mé d'ath-thoghadh mar Cheann Comhairle agus geallaim díbh go ndéanfad mo dhíthcheall chun dualgaisí na hoifige do chomhlíonadh mar is cóir.
I appreciate the great honour conferred on me and I fully realise the trust reposed in me. For the discharge of my duties as Ceann Comhairle I rely with confidence on the willing support and the generous co-operation which the House has afforded me in the past.