Members will have learned, with regret, of the death of Paudge Brennan, a distinguished former Member of the House. May he rest in peace. Paudge was born in Carnew in County Wicklow some 76 years ago. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in l954, regaining the seat held by his late father, Tom, from l944 until 1953.
Paudge diligently served the people of Wicklow continuously until l973. He was returned again for the constituency in June l981 and November l982. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the late Mr. Neil Blaney and Mr. Kevin Boland when they were Ministers. He held this position from l965 until l970. He was a Taoiseach's nominee to the Seanad from April to November l982 and retired from national politics in l987.
At a local level, Paudge also served the people of Wicklow well as a member of Wicklow County Council. He was a member of Wicklow County Committee of Agriculture and a distinguished member of the General Council of County Councils for many years. He took a special interest in vocational education and particularly in education in Carnew. He was also a member of the European Conference on Local Authorities from l961 until l965.
The people of Wicklow will be particularly saddened in view of the tremendous service he gave to that county throughout the years. He was instrumental in bringing Nitrogen Éireann, now known as IFI, to Arklow.
Paudge was a keen and skilled footballer. He represented his club, Carnew, with great distinction for many years. He also played for the Wicklow senior team for many years.
I remember Paudge well before and after I was elected to this House 21 years ago today. He was always helpful to me as a newcomer to the Dáil. The huge attendance at his funeral mass and at the removal of his remains showed that Paudge was still held in high regard in Carnew. The mass last Saturday was attended by the Taoiseach.
On my own behalf and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I offer our deepest condolences to his widow, Mary, his daughters, Jo, Rosemary and Sally, his sons, Tom, Sean and Barry, his brothers, Fr. Crispin OFM Cap. and Michael, and his sisters, Dolores, Sr. Immaculata and Sr. Frances. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.