I have received notice from Senator Henry that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health and Children to introduce legislation to allow emer gency medical technicians to administer drugs to patients where appropriate.
I regard the matter raised by the Senator as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken at the conclusion of business.
Since today is probably the last day on which I will be sitting in this Chair, I would like to make a brief statement. It has been a great honour and privilege to have been a Member of Seanad Éireann for the past 21 years and to have served as Cathaoirleach for the past five years. I thank Members on all sides of the House for their friendship, support and co-operation over the years and, in particular, during the term of this Seanad. I express my appreciation and gratitude to all members of the staff of the House for their support, assistance and courtesy over the years. I especially thank the Clerk of the Seanad, Ms Deirdre Lane, and the Clerk Assistant, Ms Jody Blake, for their loyalty, efficiency and dedication during all the time that I have worked with them. They made my job very easy.
I wish good luck and success to all those Senators who are looking forward to being Members of the new Seanad. They are all deserving of success. It would be remiss of me if I did not pay a special tribute to those Members who have indicated that they are not seeking re-election or will be joining me in retirement. The House and the country will certainly be the poorer as a result of the departure from public life of such distinguished colleagues as Senator Hanafin, the father of the House, Senator Cosgrave, Leas-Chathaoirleach and former Cathaoirleach, whom I thank for his co-operation and assistance over the past five years, Senator Manning, who was a distinguished Leader of the House and is current leader of the Opposition, Senator Lanigan, another former distinguished Leader of the House, Senator Farrell, an assistant Whip for a long time in this Seanad and the Whip in more recent times, as well as Senators Doyle, McDonagh, Quill and Leonard, who have also indicated that they will not seek re-election. I extend good wishes to all of them. To those retiring, I wish a long, healthy and happy retirement and thank them on behalf of the House for the huge contribution which they have made over the years to public life. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.