Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 1972

Vol. 261 No. 11

London Air Disaster: Expression of Sympathy.

The Taoiseach

I know that Deputies on all sides of the House will join with me in expressing the sympathy of Dáil Éireann to the relatives of those who were lost in the air disaster at London Airport. We are all conscious of the personal bereavements suffered by the families of the victims. Indeed many Deputies, having come to know these men in the course of their public life and duties, share the sense of personal loss. The nation has suffered a grievous loss in having such a wealth of talent, experience and dedication snatched away in such sudden and tragic circumstances. These men had in various ways helped to stamp the character of modern Ireland, an Ireland purposefully earning progress through industrial and commercial achievement at home and overseas. They died in harness on a mission of national significance. They were on their way to Brussels as an advance party leading the way for our practical participation in the business life of the European Community. Each one of them has in has field enhanced the economic wealth of the nation. The dynamism and vision which characterised their careers provide an example and a spur for those who must now take their places and take up the task of leadership.

One of their most significant achievements as a body and individually was the mood of mutual respect established between them and the Irish trade union movement, their partner in the national effort towards economic progress. It is for all of us a valuable inheritance. I offer sympathy also to the respective organisations and firms of which the deceased were members. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

Mr. Cosgrave

On behalf of this party I should like to join in the expression of sympathy. We already expressed sympathy when the news first reached us but I wish on this occasion to express again our deep sense of loss and the sympathy which all on this side of the House feel for the wives and families of those who died so tragically. Each of these men gave immense service to Irish industry and their contribution as individuals was recognised by all who came in contact with them. On this occasion they were actually engaged on important national work in travelling to Brussels, part of the work involved in membership of EEC. Because of the nature of their work all sections share the sense of loss and all share and join in the sympathy with wives and families and also extend that sympathy to those who worked with these men both in the particular concerns in which they worked as well as in the organisations of which they were members. In life and in death they inspired all who had the privilege of working with them as well as those who only knew them by reputation. We pray that God will comfort the families of those who have suffered such a tragic loss and at such an early age in almost all cases.

Mr. Corish

All of us were shocked and appalled at the tragedy which occurred at Heathrow, London, last Sunday. I should like, on behalf of the Labour Party and on my own personal behalf, to offer sincere sympathy, first, to the families of those who were lost in that disaster and also to their colleagues in their various organisations. They have been described and certainly were recognised as men of outstanding talent and they had all proved themselves in their respective fields, particularly in Irish industry. I should like not alone to convey my own and my party's sympathy to the relatives of the 12 Irishmen, men of great talent, who were lost but also to the relatives of all those, including the crew, who were lost at Heathrow last Sunday. Particularly our sympathy goes to the Confederation of Irish Industry which suffered the great loss of its president and director-general. The tragedy was all the more fearful as we knew most of them personally having had dealings with them in the industrial field over a good number of years. We feel it as a personal as well as a national loss and we pray that their families will be comforted in their great sorrow and that the organisations to which they were attached will overcome these great losses. May I say therefore: Go ndeána Dia trócaire ar a n-anamacha.

Deputies rose in their places.