Waterford's Grace O'Sullivan says if people want change, they should get involved in making the change themselves.
The Green Party politician made the comments during her final day in the Seanad today.
She takes up her seat as an MEP in the European Parliament on Tuesday.
The bells are ringing, and I'm heading up to #Seanad now for my last ever Order of Business. After three years here, I'm sad to be saying goodbye to so many friends and colleagues, but especially the Civil Engagement Group, who have been so much more than just a technical group pic.twitter.com/7ReiyeXr6P
— Grace O'Sullivan MEP (@GraceOSllvn) June 27, 2019
Grace O'Sullivan spoke at her last ever Order of Business this morning.
"I am standing here feeling a little bit blue - even my attire is a little bit blue - because I am leaving all of my Seanad colleagues.
"I thank everyone in the Seanad who has collaborated with me on much legislation. The first legislative measure I brought before the House was the Micro-plastic and Micro-bead Pollution Prevention Bill 2016. That was three years ago. Although the Bill did not make much headway, thanks to the support of other Senators the public awareness relating to it was sufficient to give it the wind it needed to become the legislation the Government has brought forward today.
"I am so proud to have had the honour, privilege and experience of being in Seanad Éireann.
"To anyone who reads the words of the transcript of these proceedings, to anyone who sees my presentation today and to everyone in Ireland who is over 18 - and I hope that in time those over 16 can vote - I say that politics can be a positive place.
"It can be a place of action where things happen and where people should put themselves forward. We live in a democracy and if people want change, I say that they should get involved in making the change themselves.
"I look forward to being in the European Parliament and to representing the people of the 12 counties of Ireland South. I will be reporting back as often as I can so that people will know what Grace O'Sullivan, the Irish MEP for Ireland South, is doing over the coming five years."
