Before we move on to the Order of Business, I want to pay tribute, with many of my colleagues in the House, to the Superintendent of the Houses, Éamon O'Donohoe, on his retirement. For almost 22 years, he has been the Superintendent in charge of both Houses of the Oireachtas and although many distinguished people held various offices for a longer period, he is the longest holder of one particular office. Those of us who have been here for that length of time, and as well as those of a more recent vintage, have got to know and respect Éamon O'Donohoe. He came to these Houses from the Army, as is the tradition, having served in the Middle East, Burma, Israel and Lebanon and having represented Ireland over 30 times in the showjumping team, including four Aga Khan Cup competitions, and the Olympic Games. Many of us may not have known the extent of that amazing sporting background which no doubt gave him the great agility he displays constantly in this House in various ways. Indeed, he performed in the Olympic Games in Rome.
Éamon O'Donohoe came to Leinster House in January 1981 and there is no doubt that during that period, almost 22 years, he was known not just for his integrity, acumen and approachability, which he exhibited on all occasions, but the fact that, as Superintendent of both Houses, he held public office in the highest esteem and had the greatest regard for those who hold public office. He was always at great pains to ensure correctness of behaviour and impeccable standards in both Houses and their immediate environs.
Éamon has been a great friend to all of us in many ways, helping unobtrusively, and often openly, but always conforming to the highest standards and expecting the highest standards from others. I am sure his wife, Vera, and his children, David, Orla and Sinéad, will be glad to see more of him and I hope Éamon enjoys a fruitful retirement. I am aware they plan many activities together as a family and I have no doubt that we will see Éamon again when he comes back to visit.
On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party and, I am sure, all my colleagues here today, I want to pay the finest of tributes to Éamon O'Donohoe on his formal departure from the portals of Oireachtas Éireann.