A few days ago, members of the House learned with deep regret of the death of Senator Frank Purcell. I bhFlaitheas Dé go raibh a anam. Senator Purcell was elected from the Nominating Bodies Sub-Panel of the Labour Panel and was a member of this House for the past six years. He was of a quiet, unassuming and kindly disposition and his loss will be keenly felt by all those with whom he came in contact. From the early years of his manhood, the late Senator took an active interest in the national and trade union movements. A man of strong convictions and principles, he took part in the Rising of 1916 and later in the War of Independence, during which period he suffered a term of imprisonment.
His abiding interest, however, lay in the development of the trade union movement with which he has been prominently identified for a goodly number of years. As a result of the initiative he displayed and the thoroughness of his work when dealing with union matters in his native county, he was appointed in 1922 to the staff of the head office of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union of which later he became General Secretary—a position he held from 1948 until his retirement through illness last year. Prior to his appointment as General Secretary, he was Secretary of the Hotel and Restaurant Branch and for a time was Secretary of the National Labour Party.
In the passing of Senator Purcell, trade unionism has lost a worthy champion who always upheld the highest traditions of that great movement which has done so much for the betterment of the working classes of this country.
To the widow and relatives of the late Senator, I shall convey on your behalf and on my own, our sympathy and appreciation.
Senators rose in their places.