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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Motion.

I move:

That Deputy Seamus Pattison be elected Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

On 6 June, I informed the House of my intention to nominate Deputy Pattison for election as Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Chairing the Dáil is a demanding task, and I know that Deputy Pattison will bring his personal qualities of unfailing courtesy and impartiality which marked his term as Ceann Comhairle to the office of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I know the House will be all the better for it, so it is my pleasure, on behalf of the Government, to nominate Deputy Pattison as Leas-Cheann Comhairle of this Dáil.

I second that motion on behalf of the Labour Party.

I would like to warmly congratulate Deputy Pattison on his appointment as Leas-Cheann Comhairle. He is the father of the House and has served with distinction, and I am sure he will bring his experience and wisdom to bear in his new position.

Cuirim comhghairdeas in iúl don Teachta Séamus Pattison. As Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Pattison certainly illustrated his sympathy with Members of the House, particularly those in smaller parties. I appreciate his objectivity and look forward to working with him in future.

Aontaím leis an rún atá molta ag an Taoiseach. I would like to support the motion and the appointment of Deputy Pattison as Leas-Cheann Comhairle and to add to the good wishes already expressed here.

Question put and agreed to.

I would ask that Deputy Pattison take the chair and make the declaration.

This being the first occasion on which I have taken the chair since my election, I must perform my first official duty as Leas-Cheann Comhairle. In accordance with Standing Order 9 of the Standing Orders relative to public business, I now wish to make the following declaration:

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by this House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members, in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann.

Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an Taoiseach agus na Teachtaí uilig as mé a thógáil mar Leas-Cheann Comhairle Dáil Éireann inniu. Is mór an onóir dom é. For the past five years I have had the great honour and privilege to serve as Ceann Comhairle of the 28th Dáil. I look forward to serving as Leas-Cheann Comhairle with equal honour and privilege in the 29th Dáil. I thank the Taoiseach and all the Members for their kind remarks and support. I look forward to your continuing co-operation. Thank you very much.

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