This is a sad day for the Oireachtas. I propose that the committee express its sympathy to the wife and family of the late Seán Doherty, Cootehall, Boyle, County Roscommon. He was a great friend to every member and a capable and astute politician who did significant work on behalf of his constituents in County Roscommon. His political positions included Minister for Justice, Minister of State at that Department, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Deputy, Senator and member of Roscommon County Council.
Those of us who entered the Dáil in 1977 and served alongside Seán for 25 years have witnessed the transformation of our country from a Third World nation to a vibrant, young and dynamic economy. Members assisted this transformation by providing opportunities for Irish people to replicate here the contributions made by Irish emigrants to other nations. As Seán Doherty played a part in this transformation, his constituents in County Roscommon have suffered a significant loss. He will be especially remembered for the morning he called us together to take action on a tax incentive scheme for counties Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and Cavan which he had initiated with the co-operation of colleagues from that region. As I represent counties Longford and Westmeath, I had an interest in this scheme and was delighted to support it. The benefits of this tax scheme may be seen today in the unprecedented opportunities it provided to the counties in question.
On behalf of this committee in general and members from Fianna Fáil in particular, I pay tribute to Seán Doherty for his dedicated service to both Houses. I had the pleasure of serving with him in the Seanad and the privilege of proposing him as Cathaoirleach. I have known him for more than 35 years and he was a great friend with a sharp wit. He made a significant difference to County Roscommon. I extend our condolences to his wife, Maura and his daughters, Rachel, Cara, Leah and Evelyn. I hope, because he was a man of strong faith, that we remember him in our prayers in the weeks, months and years to come.