A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I have learned and the House will have learned with deep regret of the death of Deputy Bernard Cowen. His death, coming so soon after the deaths of Clement Coughlan and George Colley, comes as a great shock to Members of this House. Since his election to Dáil Éireann in 1969, Deputy Cowen was a most popular Member earning the respect of all sides of the House. He was best known for his interest in agricultural matters. He served as Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture in 1982. On behalf of myself and the Fine Gael party I should like to express our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, and his three sons. Solas na bhflaitheas dá anam dílis.
Death of Member. - Expression of Sympathy.
We have all learned with great sadness of the death of our colleague, Ber Cowen. He was a dedicated, caring public representative committed to the welfare of his constituents and to progressive economic, social and political policies at national level. He had an unfailing sense of humour, a great humanity and a warm and pleasant personality. He was one of the most popular and well-liked Members and there is around the House this evening among all Members a great feeling of loss. One of the characters who helped us all through difficulties and tensions has been taken away from us and we all feel it deeply and personally.
On my own behalf and on behalf of the members of Fianna Fáil I join with the Taoiseach in offering to his widow, Mary, and all the members of his family our deepest sympathy on their great loss. We offer our sympathy also to the people of Laois-Offaly who have lost a great friend and a faithful servant.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam. Solas na bhflaitheas dá anam uasal dílis.
I wish on my own behalf and on behalf of the Labour Party to be associated with the remarks made here this evening. It is a very sad occasion for Dáil Éireann and we mourn the sad passing of Deputy Ber Cowen. Deputy Cowen was a very popular and highly respected Member of both Houses of the Oireachtas and during his period as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture he was a very hard working and courteous office holder. He will indeed be missed by all of us in Dáil Éireann and by the people of Laois-Offaly whom he served so well since 1969.
I wish to convey my deepest personal sympathy to his wife, Mary, to his three sons and to the other members of his family. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
I wish to be associated with those remarks on behalf of myself and Deputy Mac Giolla and to extend my sympathy to Deputy Cowen's wife and family and to his colleagues in the Fianna Fáil Party.
Members rose in their places.
The Dáil adjourned at 7.05 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 January 1984.