Before proceeding further I wish to announce for the information of the House that on 19 July last I received notice in writing from the former Deputy Pat Cox that he wished to resign his membership of An Dáil. In accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 140, the resignation took effect from the date of my receipt of the notice, that is, 19 July 1994.
Resignation of Member.
If nobody else is offering to speak I will do so. I detect a certain lack of enthusiasm in this instance. The former Deputy Cox has left the House on foot of a commitment he gave to the electorate in Munster that in the event of his being successful, he would devote all his time and energies to looking after the interests and concerns of the people of Munster at European level. He will be a good representative on behalf of the country also.
During his time in this House, Mr. Cox showed a razor edged brain in his approach to complex problems. He had a structured approach to financial debates in particular and, as I had reason to observe in a number of instances, he was a top class negotiator. Ireland and Munster have an excellent representative in the former Deputy Cox. I wish him well in devoting his energies to Europe where, we have to admit, he performed exceptionally well during his first term as a Euro Deputy. Long may he stay in Europe.
Deputy Harney.
A Deputy
The Deputy seems a bit reluctant.
I was merely waiting for the Taoiseach's sympathy. Deputy Cox has opted to continue his political career in Europe. I agree with the Taoiseach that he has been an outstanding MEP on behalf of this country. I have no doubt he will continue to represent Ireland in the way he did over the past six years.