Before proceeding to the business on the Order Paper, I know that the House will wish to record an expression of its profound regret on the death of His Eminence Cardinal D'Alton.
A native of Connacht, a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, President of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Bishop of Meath and, finally, Cardinal-Archbishop of Armagh, Cardinal D'Alton truly belonged to all Ireland.
He was a distinguished classical scholar, whose learned publications gained for him an international reputation, but, despite his great scholastic attainments and the honours that were showered upon him during a long lifetime of outstanding service to the Church, he remained close to the people. As a scholar, Professor, administrator, Bishop and Prince of the Church, he won the affection and loyalty of his own flock and the respect and esteem of all who knew him. A just and kindly ruler, a worthy successor to a long line of distinguished predecessors in the historic See of Armagh, he will be remembered for his simple dignity, his gentleness, his patience and forbearance and his deep and never-failing love of his country and of all its people.
I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, in the name of the Dáil, to convey to the Most Reverend Dr. Conway, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, to the clergy and people of the Archdiocese and to the relatives of the late Cardinal an expression of our profound sympathy in their sorrow.
