Since the last meeting Senators will have learned with deep regret of the death of our colleague, Senator Kevin O'Callaghan. The late Senator O'Callaghan was a member of a family long connected with the political life of this country and he himself from an early age took an active part in public affairs.
He was first elected to this House at a by-election in 1970 and was re-elected on the Agricultural Panel at the general election last year. When the Joint Committee on Secondary Legislation of the EEC was established recently Senator O'Callaghan was one of those Members of the House selected to serve on it.
He was an extensive and progressive farmer and a member of several farming bodies. He was a director of Erin Foods from 1965 to 1970. Despite these many demands on his services he was extremely active in many charitable organisations.
His contributions to debates in the Seanad, noteworthy for pertinence and conciseness, were invariably listened to with respect. In personal relationships, his kindly and pleasant disposition made him popular with all Members. By his untimely death we have lost a valuable colleague.
I have conveyed, on your behalf and on my own, our deepest sympathy to the widow and children of the late Senator.
I bhFlaitheas Dé go raibh a anam.
Members rose in their places.