Members of the House will have learned with deep regret of the death, during the Easter recess, of Deputy Denis Allen, go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam. Although we knew that he had been in failing health for some time, the announcement of his death came as a great shock to all of us.
The late Deputy Allen was a member of a family who, for several generations, had been closely associated with the struggle for Irish freedom. He, himself, joined the Irish Volunteers in 1917 and took an active and outstanding part in the War of Independence during which he underwent several terms of imprisonment.
He was first elected to the Dáil in 1927 and, except for a short period, he remained a member until his death. His many contributions to our deliberations here were inspired by sound judgement and devotion to the public welfare. While his outstanding personal characteristic was an unshakable integrity, his comments on people and problems were tempered always by humanity and sympathy. His unfailing kindness, humour and transparent honesty won him the affection of members of all Parties.
He gave many years of outstanding service as a member of Wexford County Council. He was a keen social worker and a member for some years of the Hospitals Commission. He was, also, a progressive farmer and the last surviving founder-member of the National Ploughing Association.
The late Deputy Allen personified the finest type of Irish public representative. His untimely death deprived many of us of a close personal friend, and all of us of a colleague of exceptional qualities.
We deeply mourn his death. I ask you, Sir, to convey our deepest sympathy to his widow and family.
Members rose in their places.