(Dublin West): I wish to note the fact that Wayne O'Donnell, a services officer in the Houses of the Oireachtas, died tragically today following a traffic accident near his home last night. Those of us who worked in Kildare House for many years knew Wayne very well as a courteous and obliging person and we wish our condolences to be conveyed to his family and friends.
Death of Member of Staff: Expressions of Sympathy.
I would like to join Deputy Joe Higgins' condolences, as I intended to do after the Order of Business. Mr. O'Donnell was unfortunately knocked down while cycling home from work last night and he died a short time ago. On behalf of the Government, I extend our sympathies to his family.
The news of the death of Wayne O'Donnell, who greatly served this House, shocked us all. He was a young man of great ability and courtesy, as we experienced in abundance during the DIRT inquiry. The Fine Gael Party would like to be associated with the expressions of condolence.
On behalf of the Labour Party I extend our condolences to Wayne's family. The suddenness and shock of his death has surprised us all. Whatever our differences from time to time, this House is a community in which Members spend much time together and we could not function without the support and assistance of all the staff. I convey the condolences of the Labour Party to Wayne's family.