I welcome Deputy Healy to the Dáil and congratulate him, his family and his election workers on his election in the Tipperary South by-election. The Deputy will feel he has served a long political apprenticeship as a public representative in Clonmel. He was first elected to Clonmel Corporation 15 years ago and to Tipperary South Riding County Council in 1991. He has received a strong mandate to represent the people of Tipperary South in the House and on behalf of the Government I assure him that the concerns of those people are close to our hearts and we will continue the ambitious programme of investment in that constituency.
One's first day in the Dáil is always an important day which one remembers whatever happens. It is always a special day to come to the House with one's family and supporters. I wish Deputy Healy every success and congratulate him on his achievement. He has every right to feel very satisfied personally and I congratulate his workers on the job they have done.
I wish to mention the Fianna Fáil candidate, Barry O'Brien. He was an excellent candidate who worked extremely hard to achieve the nomination and during the campaign. He, his family and workers will naturally be very disappointed having waged a strong campaign but he has a good future in politics and I wish him well. However, today is a day for Deputy Healy and I welcome him to the House and congratulate him.