Before we deal with the Order of Business, the Taoiseach, along with myself, wishes to pay farewell tributes to some colleagues.
Tributes to Staff Members
I wish to pay tribute to two long-serving members of staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas who retire this week. Dick Caffrey retires after 40 years' service in the Civil Service, 34 of them spent here in this House, many of them spent sitting in the chairs in front of me. Noel Kelly retires after 30 years' service to these Houses. Both men have witnessed so many of the great changes and the major political highlights of this Parliament over the years. They have served eight taoisigh, hundreds of Members of both the Dáil and the Seanad and they have greeted visiting presidents, prime ministers and other dignitaries from around the world. Most of all, they have ensured that we, the temporary Members of this establishment, represent the people who sent us here and do our job in the best conditions possible. They have made a very great contribution to the dignity and stature of the Houses of the Oireachtas. They should feel rightly proud of their great service to this State and to their country and it is my honour to acknowledge this service on behalf of all our colleagues here today and over the years.
Dick and Noel, I thank you for your unfailing courtesy, your counsel and your long and distinguished service to these Houses, to this State. On behalf of all the Members I wish you both and your families every happiness in the years ahead.
As Ceann Comhairle and on behalf of the Members I, too, wish both these gentlemen a very happy and long retirement. Both of them typify what public service is all about. From time to time, public servants are criticised, sometimes fairly and much of the time very unfairly. Both these gentlemen have portrayed what I believe is proper public service. Since I became Ceann Comhairle a short time ago I have received invaluable assistance from both Dick Caffrey and Noel Kelly and I deeply appreciate it. I do not wish to repeat what the Taoiseach has said when he very eloquently spoke for us all but I, too, would like to wish both gentlemen and their families every success and happiness.
I will briefly add to what was a very eloquent and deserved tribute by the Taoiseach to Dick Caffrey and Noel Kelly. I have been a Member of this House for some years and I acknowledge their quiet efficiency, the dignity they brought to the task at all times and their unfailing good humour. They have performed a wonderful public service. On a personal level, I am very grateful for the friendship between us which has developed over the years. I acknowledge the manner in which they have defined this House and this Chamber. Most visitors remark on the warmth of the atmosphere that pervades the House compared to other parliaments and this is, in large measure, due to people like Noel and Dick and their team, and for which we are eternally grateful. May you both have many healthy and happy years in retirement.
Aontaím leis an Cheann Chomhairle agus leis an Taoiseach; chuir an Taoiseach go maith é leis na focail fhlaithiúla dheasa sin. Ó tháinig mé anseo, chuir an fhoireann fáilte mhór romham agus mar sin, ar son Shinn Féin, gabhaim buíochas leo agus go raibh an t-ádh leo agus lena gclanna.
On behalf of the Technical Group, I wish Dick and Noel well for the future. I thank and commend them on their many years of public service. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Ceann Comhairle as I have always found them to be very courteous, supportive and excellent public servants. They have been of valuable assistance to the many school groups, constituents and other visitors to the Houses over the past ten years. People have always told me they have found the staff to be warm, supportive and courteous. On behalf of the Technical Group, I wish them and their families well in the future. I thank them very much for all their service.
Thank you, Noel, and thank you, Dick, if you are watching these proceedings on the monitor.
I wish to remember all the public servants who retire today from the public service.
I forgot to mention that fact. Nine members of the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas are retiring today.
In general terms, quite a number are leaving the public service.