A Chinn Chomhairle, since the dissolution of the 13th Dáil, the nation has been saddened by the death of His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Ettore Felici. On the occasion of the first meeting of the new Dáil, I know that I am fulfilling the wishes of the House in asking you, in the name of Dáil Éireann, to convey to His Holiness the Pope the most profound sympathy on the death of the late Apostolic Nuncio, who was so much revered and loved by the people of Ireland.
In conveying this message of sympathy, I am sure that Dáil Éireann would wish that you should assure the Holy Father of the profound grief occasioned by the death of His personal representative in Ireland.
Deputies rose in their places.