Is le mór-áiféal a chuala Teachtaí an Tí seo faoi bhás tubaisteach an Teachta Gearóid Sweetman an tseachtain seo caite— Solas na bhFlathas d'á anam.
The late Deputy Sweetman had been in Irish public life for almost 30 years. In 1942 he was first elected to Kildare County Council, of which body he served as chairman from 1949-51 and from 1952-53. He was a member of the General Council of County Councils for ten years and was a former director and president of the Irish Tourist Association. For five years he served on the National Health Council. He was a member of Seanad Éireann from 1943 to 1948 in which year he was elected to Dáil Éireann. He was returned as a Deputy for Kildare at each subsequent general election. He was Minister for Finance from 1954 to 1957. He represented Ireland at various international conferences, including the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, which he last attended some days prior to his tragic death.
His contributions to our deliberations here and his interventions in debate were always highly valuable. His views on financial affairs particularly commanded respect and attention and indicated not only the depth of knowledge which Gerard Sweetman brought to bear on his subject but also the thoroughness of the research which he always undertook in preparation for the important debates in which he was involved. A gifted Parliamentarian who loved the cut-and-thrust of debate, he was as fair an opponent as he was formidable. Added to his intellectual calibre was a remarkable genius for organisation and an extraordinary capacity for hard work. However much he demanded of others in his relentless pursuit of the best he demanded even more of himself. Only somebody with boundless energy, with dedication to public service and with great zest for life generally could combine in one brilliant career such a wide range of political and professional activities.
Through his tragic and untimely death Dáil Éireann and Irish public life have suffered a grievous loss. That loss will be felt all the more because of his great impact on, and contribution to, Irish political life.
Iarraim ort, a Cheann Comhairle, comhbhrón ó chroí gach Ball den Teach seo a chur in iúl do bhaintreach agus do chlann an Teachta Sweetman.
Members rose in their places.