Members of the House will have learned with the deepest regret of the death, following a brief illness, of Deputy Patrick O'Donnell, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. By the death of "Pa" O'Donnell, as he was affectionately known, the House has lost one of its most popular and energetic members. First elected in a by-election in 1949, he retained his seat in successive General Elections. From 1954 to 1957 he was Minister for Local Government, an office he discharged with great distinction.
An eloquent debater, his frequent contributions to our deliberations were always constructive and well informed and, though a most persuasive advocate, his views were totally free from rancour. He had on many occasions displayed to good effect his comprehensive grasp of the problems of the farming and fishing communities: equally noteworthy was his deep knowledge of the Irish language and his interest in its revival.
Fully dedicated to his constituency and its people, on whose behalf he laboured so tirelessly, he served on the county council and many local bodies. He also served for a number of years with the Officers Training Corps of the Army and during the Emergency he was a district adjutant in the Local Defence Force.
He represented Ireland at various international conferences including the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Through his untimely death his party has suffered a heavy loss, his constituency of Donegal-Leitrim a devoted representative and powerful champion, and the House a conscientious and universally popular member.
I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his bereaved widow and family our deepest sympathy.
Go dtuga Dia gach sólás dóibh uilig agus go dtuga sé suaimhneas na bhFlaitheas d'anam an té atá imithe uain.
Members rose in their places.