Cork Fine Gael Senator, Jerry Buttimer, has been elected Leas-Chathaoirleach, or deputy chairperson, of the 26th Seanad.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach performs the same role in the Seanad Chamber which are conferred upon the Cathaoirleach, when the Cathaoirleach is absent.

Speaking after the Seanad sitting, Senator Buttimer said he was honoured to have been elected Leas-Chathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann by his peers.

“I pledge to ensure fair and effective management of the debate in the Upper House.

“This is a great next step for me personally after serving as Leader of the Seanad in the last Oireachtas term, as well as Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee during my time as a TD for Cork South Central.

“As a strong advocate for the Irish language, béarfaidh mé mo chuid Gaeilge chun poist leis agus saothróidh mé go dian ar a son,” he said.

The newly elected Leas-Chathaoirleach added:”Seanad Éireann has a serious constitutional function and I am on the record as saying it requires serious reform to reflect our modern democracy. I look forward to playing my role in that as Seanad Leas-Chathaoirleach.”