I take this opportunity to express our deepest sympathy on the death of a former Member, Mr. Patrick O'Reilly from Virginia, County Cavan. He was a Member of Seanad Éireann from 1965-69 and of Dáil Éireann on seven occasions since 1951. We extend the sympathy of the House to his wife, Maureen, and his daughters and sons. May he rest in peace.
Death of Former Member: Expression of Sympathy.
I join with the Leader in extending sympathy to the O'Reilly family on the death of Paddy O'Reilly who was a representative in both Houses for a number of years. He represented Cavan extremely well and was highly regarded by the people of Cavan. He was an extensive dairy farmer. On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all the members of his family.
We on the Independent benches would like to be associated with the vote of sympathy. None of us had the pleasure of knowing the former Member but we always feel a sense of loss at the death of anybody who has given such a commitment to parliamentary democracy over two or three decades.
On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I too would like to be associated with this vote of sympathy. Mr. O'Reilly was a long standing Member of the Oireachtas and served his country well. We extend our sympathy to his wife and family.
On behalf of the Labour group I also wish to be associated with the vote of sympathy on the death of the late Patrick O'Reilly who served in both Houses. We send our sympathy to his family.
On behalf of Democratic Left, I want to be associated with the message of condolence to the family of the late Mr. O'Reilly.
We will say a prayer.
Members rose in their places.