Since the House last met we have lost, through tragically sudden death, Deputy Donogh O'Malley, Minister for Education— solas na bhflaitheas dá anam. I wish to thank the leaders of the Parties opposite and Members generally for agreeing to the cancellation of yesterday's Sitting in order that we might all fittingly pay our last respects in Limerick yesterday to our late colleague.
Donogh O'Malley was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1954. That he headed the poll at each election was a measure of his great popularity in his native city and county. But his popularity extended far beyond the confines of Limerick. In every county, in every walk of life, he was known and esteemed. An outstanding athlete in his youth, he maintained his interest in sport and, at his death, was President of the Football Association of Ireland.
From his student days it was evident that political life had a special appeal for him and that he, in turn, had, in the highest degree, the talents and personal qualities which public life demands. As a member of Limerick Corporation, as a member of Dáil Éireann, as Mayor of his native city, as Parliamentary Secretary in charge of the Office of Public Works and, later, as Minister for Health, he proved to be a most able administrator with a capacity for speedy decision and a unique flair for dealing, efficiently and effectively, with complex problems, whether at local or national level.
But nowhere was his great ability, crusading zeal and boundless energy and enthusiasm more apparent than when the responsibilities of the Department of Education were entrusted to him. In his short period in that office, his achievements were a tribute to his conviction that no task was impossible, no problem—no matter how complex—incapable of solution. The needs of the less well-off sections of the community were always of special concern to him and he was ever tireless on their behalf. That no child, because of inadequate financial means, should be denied the educational opportunities which he sought was the cause dearest to his heart. Not alone the present generation of students but the generations to come will have cause to remember with gratitude his unremitting efforts on their behalf.
Donogh O'Malley gave generously of himself to the last, in the constant advancement of the causes and ideals to which he was dedicated. What he accomplished in public life will remain a fitting monument to his memory.
Through his death, this House has lost one of its most popular and respected members. His constituency of East Limerick has lost a devoted representative and powerful advocate. To me and to his other colleagues in the Government, the void left by his untimely death is all the greater in that his constancy of purpose and keenness of mind were ever graced with charm and humour. It will be our resolve that the many projects initiated during his brief term as Minister for Education will be developed and sustained to the best advantage of the nation.
In this, their time of most grievous loss, our thoughts go out to his widow and children and to his mother. To them and to the other members of his family I would ask you, A Cheann Comhairle, to extend the profound and heartfelt sympathy of the House. Is danaid ghéar linn a mbris agus déanaimíd comhbhrón croí leo sa mhéala mór a bhain dóibh.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh anam dílis an té atá imithe uainn.
Members rose in their places.