Members of the House will have learned with profound regret, during the recess, of the death of Deputy Joseph Hughes. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
Although we were all aware that Deputy Hughes had been in failing health for some time, his unexpected and untimely death came as a shock to us. He had, in fact, not long before his death, resumed his public duties after an illness.
The late Deputy entered the Dáil in 1948 for the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny and was re-elected at each General Election since then. He was also a member of the Carlow County Council and of the Carlow Committee of Agriculture and Vocational Education Committee.
Himself an extensive farmer, he was widely recognised as an authority on agriculture in all its aspects. Of a gentle and unassuming disposition, his contributions to our deliberations here were expressed with conviction and a sincerity of purpose which won him the respect of all.
Deputy Hughes was deservedly popular, and his unexpected death will be deeply regretted on all sides of the House. His constituents will miss his unstinted devotion to their interests and welfare, but it is, of course, by his widow and children that his loss will be most keenly felt.
I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his family an expression of our deepest sympathy.
Members rose in their places.