Members of the House will wish to join with me in paying tribute to the late Patrick J. Lindsay, former Master of the High Court, Government Minister and Dáil Deputy. May he rest in peace.
His long career in public life began in 1954 when he was first elected to the Dáil for Mayo North. The people of that county and his many friends in all parties and in all parts of Ireland will be saddened today by his loss. He was Minister for the Gaeltacht from 1956 to 1957 and previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and the Gaeltacht.
Whether as a backbencher or as a holder of high office — Government or legal — he was a skilled parliamentarian and advocate who brought great credit to his chosen professions. He was a man of great courtesy and charm and a raconteur second to none who enjoyed the affection and respect of all sides of the House and all who came in contact with him. He was a distinguished classicist.
All who read his memoirs will readily attest to these qualities. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Government I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to offer our deepest condolences to his family as well as his colleagues in the Fine Gael Party. He will be much missed by all of us. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dilís.