New Sinn Féin TD and former senator Pearse Doherty, who last week won the Donegal South West byelection, has taken his seat in the Dáil.
In a brief ceremony, clerk of the Dáil Kieran Coughlan announced in both Irish and English his return as TD for the constituency.
The party's Dáil leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, formally introduced him to to Ceann Comhairle Seamus Kirk, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan for the Green Party, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore.
All the party leaders congratulated Mr Doherty - whose wife Roisin Doherty and mother Grainne Doherty sat in the VIP gallery - and the House applauded as he walked to the floor of the House.
Mr Ó Caoláin said the electorate gave its answer to the Government in the byelection. He said the weather prevented many others attending the event. "Pearse is deserving of every commendation not only for his courageous stand in vindicating the rights of the people" of the constituency through the courts but for his role as a representative of the people of Donegal South West.
Mr Cowen described it as a proud day for Mr Doherty and his family. He recalled "such a day myself" in reference to his own byelection win in 1984 following the death of his father Ber Cowen.
The Taoiseach said: "I'm glad to say the vacancy was not as a result of the death of a member" but following the election to the European parliament of Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher.
He told Mr Doherty: "It's a great day for you, your family and your party."
The Taoiseach also paid tribute to Mr Gallagher for the work he did for the constituency during his years as a TD and minister of state.