Before proceeding to the Order of Business I wish to take the opportunity of congratulating Deputies Eric Byrne and Michael Ring. I welcome Deputy Byrne back to the House and Deputy Ring to the House and hope their careers in the House are successful.
Returns to Writs: Mayo West and Dublin South-Central. Introduction of New Members.
The Clerk of the Dáil made the following announcement:
I gcomhlíonadh Bhuan-Ordú céad daichead a haon de Bhuan-Orduithe Dháil Éireann i dtaobh Gnó Phoiblí, tá orm a chraoladh go ndearnadh, sna Corrthoghcháin a bhí ann an naoú lá de Mheitheamh, míle naoi gcéad nócha a ceathair, de chionn an Teachta Pádraic Ó Floinn agus an Teachta Seán Ó Conaill d'éirí as, na comhaltaí seo a leanas a thoghadh don Dáil: Dáilcheantar Mhaigh Eo Thiar, Michael Ring; Dáilcheantar Bhaile Átha Cliath Theas-Lár, Eric Byrne.
Tá an Rolla de gComhaltaí sínithe ag an dá Theachta de réir Bhuan-Ordú a hAon.
In compliance with Standing Order 141 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, I have to announce that at the by-elections held on 9 June 1994, consequent on the resignations of Deputy Pádraig Flynn and Deputy John O'Connell, the following Members have been elected to the Dáil: constituency of Mayo West, Michael Ring; constituency of Dublin South-Central, Eric Byrne.
Both Deputies have signed the Roll of Members in accordance with Standing Order 1.
Deputy Michael Ring, the new Member for Mayo West, was introduced to the Ceann Comhairle by Deputy Enda Kenny.
Deputy Eric Byrne, the new Member for Dublin South-Central, was introduced to the Ceann Comhairle by Deputy Rabbitte.
I join with the Taoiseach in congratulating Deputies Ring and Byrne on their success. I congratulate the people of the two constituencies on the thoughtful and independent-minded way in which they exercised their franchise and thank them for strengthening the choice of the Opposition parties in this House in a way that will make our democracy more vibrant. I wish in particular to acknowledge the presence in the House of very many people from a part of Ireland that I love dearly, west Mayo. They are here to celebrate the success of their favourite son.
I should like to join with my colleagues in welcoming Deputies Ring and Byrne to Leinster House, Deputy Ring on his first visit to the Chamber and Deputy Byrne returning to Dáil Éireann. I congratulate them on their success in the by-elections and wish them well in this House.
I join with the other Leaders in congratulating Deputies Ring and Byrne on their election in the by-elections. I also congratulate Deputy Bruton and the Fine Gael Party on their win in Mayo West and Deputy De Rossa and Democratic Left on their win in Dublin South-Central. I am delighted the Opposition has been strengthened by two as a result of the by-elections. I look forward to the Cork South-Central by-election when I hope our party will be the victor.
I also pay tribute to the Members being replaced, Commissioner Pádraig Flynn, the outgoing Member for the Mayo West constituency, and Dr. John O'Connell who was the Deputy for Dublin South-Central. Both served their constituents very well over many years. I know their replacements, although they are not from the same party, will work equally hard on behalf of the people they represent in this assembly.
I thank the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Leader of Fine Gael, Deputy Bruton and Deputy Harney, the Leader of the Progressive Democrats, for their good wishes to Deputy Byrne. I welcome Deputy Byrne back to the Dáil and Deputy Ring to the Dáil and express the wish, the hope and the expectation that the strengthening of the Opposition on this occasion will ensure better government for whatever length of time remains to both parties in government.
By way of seeking information, has the Ceann Comhairle yet received any indication from any other Deputy who wants to resign as we are more than anxious to get stuck in in Cork South-Central as well?
On behalf of the Independents who are now the fastest growing political movement and whose ranks are swelling even without elections I offer my congratulations and good wishes to Deputies Ring and Byrne.