We have all been shocked to hear of the sudden death of Deputy Thomas Derrig. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
The late Deputy took an active part in the War of Independence. He was jailed in Britain shortly after the Rising of 1916 and served a further period of imprisonment in Belfast during 1918. He was interned in the Curragh early in 1921 and was kept a prisoner there until after the Truce.
Deputy Derrig was elected to the Second Dáil in 1921 for the constituency of North and West Mayo and represented that constituency until 1923. He was again returned to the Dáil in 1927, for the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, which he represented continuously up to the time of his death. He served in ministerial capacity, either as Minister for Education or as Minister for Lands, from 1932 to 1948 and again from 1951 to 1954. The late Deputy, who spent his boyhood in the West of Ireland, developed early a love of the Irish language, which reflected itself in his policy as Minister for Education and in his efforts to encourage the revival of the language. He was an eloquent and earnest speaker and made many useful contributions to debates in this House on educational, agricultural and general topics.
Deputy Derring was always kind, courteous and helpful, and his unexpected passing will be keenly felt by members of all Parties. His constituents, in particular, will miss a representative who actively concerned himself with their interests during his many years in public life.
I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his widow and family the sympathy of Dáil Éireann.
Deputies rose in their places.