Death of Former Members: Expressions of Sympathy.

Professor Murphy

Ba mhaith liom go gcuirfeadh an Seanad a chomhbhrón in iúl ar bhás Dhonncha Eoin Uí Shúilleabháin ó Droichead na Bandain a cailleadh i gCorcaigh inné agus a bhí in a Bhall den Teach seo ó 1965 go 1969. Fear uasal, lách croíúil a bhí ann agus ar nós iar-Seanadóir eile atá imithe ar shlí na fírinne go gairid, is é sin Gus Healy, d'oibrigh sé go díograiseach ar son an phobail.

I am sure the House would like to express its sympathy on the death yesterday of Dinny Eoin O'Sullivan who had a distinguished career in politics and who was a Member of the Seanad from 1965 to 1969. He was a gentle, public spirited man with particular commitment to educational issues. Among the numerous public bodies on which he served was the governing body of University College, Cork, and I recall in particular his activity there until quite recently, despite his deteriorating health. The lives of people like Gus Healy, another former Member of this House who died recently, and Dinny Eoin O'Sullivan were a celebration of the best in Irish politics in their dedication to and rapport with the people whom they served. Dinny Eoin went far beyond the requirements of political expediency in, for example, continuing to equip himself all his life educationally in order to understand society better and its processes. Cynicism about politics may be occasionally well based but cynicism is entirely confounded by the lives and the service of people like Dinny Eoin O'Sullivan.

Mr. Lanigan

I should like to join with Senator Murphy in passing a vote of sympathy in this House with the relatives of the late Denis Eoin O'Sullivan. He played a major part in the public life of this country. I would equally like to ask the House to pass a motion of sympathy to the relatives of Gus Healy. Gus Healy served this House and, indeed, the other House extremely well. He served his country, his party and in particular the people of Cork. I first came across Gus Healy in a sporting sphere when he was chairman of the water safety section of the Red Cross in Cork. In that capacity he was instrumental in saving many lives. When he entered public life he devoted himself tirelessly to his duties. Indeed, at times it seemed that he put his public duties before his health. He will be a big loss to the citizens of Cork of which he was Lord Mayor and to the citizens of Ireland in general. As Senator Murphy said, people like these should not be forgotten. I ask the House to pass a motion of sympathy.

Mrs. Bulbulia

On behalf of the Fine Gael group I would like to say that we mourn the passing of Denis Eoin O'Sullivan, a former Member of this House and a Member of Dáil Éireann for many years. He served the public with dignity and integrity and always demonstrated a kindly, generous, tolerant spirit. We are the poorer for his passing. We also wish to be associated with the vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Gus Healy.

Mr. Ferris

On behalf of the Labour Party group I want to be associated with the votes of sympathy with both families of the deceased former Members of this House, the late Dinny Eoin O'Sullivan and Gus Healy. I had the honour to know Gus Healy in public life. Unfortunately, I did not have the honour to know Mr. O'Sullivan. Gus Healy was a person with whom many of us were very friendly during his term in this House, in the other House and as first citizen of Cork. We all aspired to count him among our friends, and it was a sad moment when we recorded his passing recently. It is appropriate that the House should extend its sympathy and respect to the relatives of both men.

An Cathaoirleach

As Cathaoirleach I should like to be associated with those remarks. We will have one minute's silence.

Members rose in their places.

Seanad Éireann debate - Wednesday, 22 Jul 1987