Before we commence the Order of Business proper I think the House would wish to express sympathy with the family of the late Cyril Cusack. It is fair to say he has brought great lustre to this country throughout his distinguished acting career both on the stage and as one of the Irish pioneers in the international film industry, an industry which is of increasing importance.
Death of Cyril Cusack: Expression of Sympathy.
I join with everyone throughout the country in paying tribute to the late Cyril Cusack. He certainly gained a worldwide reputation. He was very prominent in the Irish film industry and in the whole arts area. I knew him many years ago when I was involved differently in life. He was a good personal friend of mine. I would like to express on behalf of the House deepest sympathy to his relatives.
I, too, would like to associate myself with the expressions of regret and sorrow at the death of Cyril Cusack. It is appropriate that this Dáil should concern itself with Irish people who serve this country in spheres other than politics.
On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I would like to be associated with the tributes paid to Cyril Cusack. There is no doubt that for almost half a century Cyril Cusack epitomised all that was good in Irish theatre, Irish art and Irish life. He had a unique Irish dimension to a very talented and great artistic gift. He will be sorely missed by the theatre and Irish people in general. He has left to us a very rich legacy because he certainly extended the barriers of art and acting during his lifetime. He has left behind a fine body of good memories, high standards for a future generation of actors and a very talented family. He has left all these gifts to the Irish nation and for all of that we would like to pay him tribute.
I am supporting Deputy Quill.
I too would like on behalf of my Labour colleagues to be associated with the expressions of sympathy on the death of Cyril Cusack. He was a fine actor and a fine performer in the best of Irish traditions. As Deputy Quill has said, his legacy will live on because he has left behind a family of fine talent as I witnessed in the Gate Theatre as late as last Tuesday evening. On behalf of my colleagues I extend our sympathy to his family.
Let us rise and pray in silence.
Members rose in their places.