Members of the House will have learned with deep regret of the death, during the recess, of Seán Brosnan—ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. His untimely death has left us with a profound sense of loss and we are the poorer for his passing.
Seán was a kind and compassionate man. He was greatly respected by all his colleagues and constituents on whose behalf he laboured so tirelessly. As a member of the Council of Europe and, later, as a member of the European Parliament, he gave unselfishly of his time and energy in the service of the nation. He was an active participant in the affairs of those bodies and we were proud to have him as our representative. His keen interest in European affairs and his dedication to the European ideal made him an excellent choice for the European Parliament. His experience will be sorely missed.
Those of us who knew Seán were impressed by his courteous and generous disposition. These same qualities endeared him to all those whom he dealt with in his professional life as school teacher, university lecturer and barrister and in public life. His elegance and sportsmanship as a Gaelic footballer were fully reflected in all aspects of his later life. We are saddened by his death and I would ask the Ceann Comhairle to convey to his widow and family our deepest sympathy.
Go dtuga Dia gach sólás dóibh uilig agus go dtuga Sé suaimhneas na bhFlaitheas dá ainm dhílis gheal.
Members rose in their places.