Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 Dec 1992

Vol. 134 No. 11

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator O'Toole that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education to raise with both the new Irish European commissioner and the Irish Government the importance of ensuring that a significant proportion of the Structural or Cohesion Funds be directed towards Irish education, in particular towards Irish primary education.

I regard the matter raised by Senator O'Toole as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and it will be taken at the conclusion of business.

Mrs. Honan

One would never think there has just been a general election.

Mr. O'Toole

The fact that it was put down a few days ago was, Senators will have to admit, good timing.

An Cathaoirleach

I also want to announce that on 3 December 1992 the Taoiseach nominated Brendan Daly, Pat Farrell, Terry Leyden and Dick Roche, with their prior consent, to fill the casual vacancies in the number of nominated members of Seanad Éireann caused by the election to Dáil Éireann of Hugh Byrne, Martin Cullen, Helen Keogh and Eoin Ryan. I welcome them to the House and congratulate them on being appointed.

I also want to congratulate all the former Members of this House who were successful in the general election — as well as the four people I mentioned, the former Senators Joe Costello, Seán Doherty, Avril Doyle, Denis Foley, Seán Haughey, Éamon Ó Cuív, Batt O'Keeffe, John Ryan and Pat Upton and I wish them every success in their new role.

I understand that a number of Senators are not seeking re-election. Unofficially I have been informed that Senator Staunton and Senator Hederman are not seeking re-election and I wish them well. I am informed officially that Senator Jack Harte and Senator John A. Murphy are retiring from politics and I also wish them well. Senator Harte has been a highly respected Member of this House for 20 years. I have always found him to be practical, a man of commonsense, a lovely man. I recall one occasion when, on a matter of principle, four Senators decided in their wisdom that they should be put out of the House. Senator Costello went first, followed by Senator Upton Senator Ryan and then Senator Harte. Senator Harte apologised sincerely that this was going to happen. That indicates the type of man he is. He is a lovely man and he will be missed from this House.

Senators

Hear, hear.

An Cathaoirleach

I did not always agree with Senator John A. Murphy but I always liked his contributions and listened to them. When he spoke everybody listened. He will be missed for the colour and humour of his contributions. He will be missed for his very strong personal views on many issues, in particular Northern Ireland, on which he had very strongly held convictions and was never afraid to express them. Both Senator Harte and Senator Murphy will be missed from this House.

As this is the last sitting of the present Seanad, I would like to take this opportunity to wish good luck to all Senators who are seeking re-election. I hope you are all back with us and, of course, that applies to the species known as the Independents; I wish them well too. I also extend Christmas greetings to all Members and their families, the reporting staff, the press and to the Clerk of the Seanad and her courteous and hard working staff. The success of the Seanad is due largely to their great work and they have helped us enormously. I also would like to wish the Clerk success as Seanad returning officer. I know Members also wish her well in what will be a very happy and important event for her next month.