I request that all mobile telephones are switched off. Before we start I gather that one of the senior officials, Mr. Andy Cullen, is retiring today.
Business of Select Committee.
Yes, today.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to him and to thank him for his lifetime's work for the State. He is an exemplary public official. I was shocked to hear that he is retiring. It is a pity that we are losing such talent. I found him to be one of the best people I have dealt with. He was always straight, told it as it is, argued his point but was always prepared to listen to the counter-argument. He is an exemplary official and represents all that is good in the public service, of which we are often critical. I wish him the best of good health and good luck in his retirement.
I wish to be associated with those remarks and to wish him well also. No doubt he might be a consultant shortly for someone or other. I respect his integrity, professionalism and help at all times.
I join with those remarks. I wish Mr. Cullen well. I hope he will not miss the hurly burly of the Department of Transport and the Oireachtas. He will probably miss it like a hole in the head. I wish him all the best and thank him for his service to this country.
On Mr. Cullen's behalf I thank members for their nice and well-deserved tribute. Mr. Cullen has been a public servant all his life, since his leaving certificate, and he has served in the Department of Transport in all of its guises. He was regaling me with one or two stories yesterday, dating back to a former colleague, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, who is the new Commissioner. He devoted himself to public service and, as the Chairman said, is a fine example of the integrity, honesty and hard work done by members of the public service. I wish to be associated with what was said. I thank members for their remarks.