Unfortunately, today we must pass a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Seán Conway who was a Member of this House in the early 1980s. Seán Conway was known to everybody in public life throughout Ireland because of his involvement in the IVEA, the Irish Vocational Education Association, of which he was president for many years.
My first encounter with him was in 1969 during the general election of that year. Even though he was on the opposite side, Seán, being the gentleman he was, informed my uncle, God have mercy on him, and me of all the houses to visit where we had a chance of getting support. He was a very helpful colleague; I had the pleasure of being a member of Meath County Council with him for many years. His love of education came through. There are many vocational schools around the country that will have fond memories of Seán Conway and the effort he made to improve the educational system.
I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife, Carmel, and his family.