John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)

A Theachtaí, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a gabháil libh as mé a thoghadh mar Cheann Comhairle Dháil Éireann inniu. Is mór an onóir domsa é. Geallaim libh go léir go ndéanfaidh mé mo dhícheall chun cothrom na féinne a thabhairt do gach uile Theachta anseo agus iarraim oraibh cabhrú liom chun dualgas na hoifige seo a chomhlíonadh mar is cóir.

I thank Members for electing me as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann today. It is a great honour for me and I promise all Members that I will do my best to deal fairly with each and every Deputy in the House. I ask all Members for their assistance in properly fulfilling the duties of this office.

My aim will be to carry out the work of the Chair in such a manner as to give full expression to all Members consistent with Standing Orders and the due business of the House before us. I realise it is impossible to carry out the work of the House without the full co-operation of all Members and because of this, I sincerely seek such co-operation. A vibrant parliament is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. The manner in which we conduct our business as laid down by the Constitution is important to how we as Members of this House are perceived. The occasion of the election of Ceann Comhairle brings a focus to the office and Parliament.

Sometimes, although what are perceived as archaic rules are overly associated with how the Chair is obliged to administer, the two should not be confused. The rules are a matter for the House itself. Almost all reform is on an all-party basis and it is the Ceann Comhairle's job to administer the rules. The Chair has the unenviable task sometimes of being obliged to implement the rules laid down by Members, which can appear to be overly authoritarian. It can be a case of shooting the messenger and can lead over the years to a certain loss of respect for the Chair. At all times, the Chair must be respected and I encourage Members, as indeed my predecessor has done many times, to change whatever rules they believe have become outmoded. I know I will have Members' goodwill and intend to earn their respect in the fair manner in which I will discharge my duties.

As on the last occasion, there are a significant number of new Members, that is, 49 and I offer them my congratulations on their election. A familiarisation programme for new Members has been undertaken over recent weeks and most of them will be reasonably familiar with their role and surroundings. For my own part, my door is always open. Any Members who may feel aggravated by any decision of mine——

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