Senator Paddy Burke Elected Cathaoirleach to 24th Seanad

Senator Burke said;
“It is a great honour to have been elected as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and I would like to thank my fellow Senators for the privilege they have conferred on me. Whatever the future holds for this house, it is now incumbent upon us as Senators in the 24th Seanad to demonstrate how it can contribute in a meaningful way to the democratic life of the State, meet and overcome the sizeable challenges we face, play a part in the regeneration of our country and thereby help to improve the lives of all our citizens

We are living in a time of great change, both nationally and globally.   The ability to embrace change, to welcome new opportunities, to accept openness and new ways of doing things are the hallmarks of successful and dynamic nations.   As a nation, we have demonstrated our ability to meet and overcome any trials and tests we have faced, to change and to transform and to embrace openness and to demonstrate our natural hospitality.

Only last week we witnessed the historic and successful visit of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II which demonstrated a new maturity in our relationship with our nearest neighbour.  The visit on Monday by U.S. President Barack Obama was also an historic occasion which re-inforced our bonds of friendship with the United States. These successful visits demonstrated our standing in the world and that our international reputation remains strong, but we should not be complacent.

We are also living in a time of unprecedented challenges – financial, economic, social, environmental and political.   In the face of these challenges, there has been much discussion about the relevance of politics in providing solutions to our problems. Indeed, there has been much discussion about the future role of the Seanad.

The Seanad has an important role to play in Irish politics and I am keen that the 24th Seanad will form an effective and relevant part of the Oireachtas alongside the President, Dáil Éireann and the Oireachtas Committees.   My priority as Cathaoirleach will be to ensure that there is a positive public perception of the Seanad and I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessors and the other distinguished holders of this Office.   I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards they have set and will maintain the excellent record of impartiality and fairness which has been the hallmark of Cathaoirligh of Seanad Éireann.

ENDS

Daniel English
Oireachtas Communications Unit
01 618 4484
087 6949926
Role of Cathaoirleach

The Cathaoirleach is the sole judge of the order of proceedings in Seanad Éireann. He has a number of powers and functions, namely:

• Calls on members to speak and all speeches must be addressed to the Chair.
• Puts such questions to the House as are required, supervises Divisions and declares the results.
• Has authority to suppress disorder, to enforce prompt obedience to Rulings and may order Members to withdraw from the House or name them for suspension by the House itself for a period.
• In the case of great disorder can suspend or adjourn the House.

In the absence or temporary incapacity of the President of Ireland, the Cathaoirleach is a member of the Commission which exercises and performs the powers and functions conferred on the President. The Cathaoirleach is also a member of the Council of State which aids and counsels the President in relation to the exercise and performance by her of certain powers.