The members of the House will have learned with the deepest regret of the unexpected death on Saturday last of Deputy Paddy Forde. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
Although a member of Dáil Éireann for only a relatively short period, Deputy Forde had endeared himself to every member of the House. Kind, gentle and unassuming there was no more conscientious and hard-working member of Dail Éireann. With his extensive knowledge of public affairs and his particular interest in agriculture and local government, the late Deputy Forde was an ideal public representative.
Through his untimely death this House and the people of mid-Cork, in particular, have suffered a grievous loss. We in the Fianna Fáil Party will remember him as a loyal colleague whom we held in high esteem and whose judgment and advice we greatly respected and highly valued.
I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, on behalf of all the Members of Dáil Éireann, to convey to the late Deputy's wife and family our deepest sympathy in their great loss.
Members rose in their places.