In the unavoidable absence of the President and the Vice-President, I have to refer to the unexpected death of Deputy Sir Osmond Esmonde, which no doubt has become known to members of the Dáil. Deputy Esmonde belonged to a distinguished family which, through many generations, has been identified with the national cause. As a young man he devoted himself to the service of Ireland, and he gave valuable assistance to the national movement during the struggle of 1920-1921. His death is a loss to Irish public life and to this House, of which he has been a member for many years. I ask you, A Chinn Comhairle, to convey to Deputy Esmonde's family the sincere sympathy of Dáil Eireann.
Deputies rose in their places.