Members of the House will have learned with deep regret of the sudden death of Deputy Liam Ahern. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. The late Deputy Ahern took an active part in Irish public life for over 20 years. In 1953 he was first elected to Cork County Council and had served as a member of that body ever since. He was last re-elected in June of this year. He was a member of both Houses of the Oireachtas. He was elected to Seanad Éireann on the Labour Panel in 1957 and on the Administrative Panel up to 1973, when he was elected to the 20th Dáil for his home constituency of North-East Cork. A farmer himself, Deputy Ahern took a keen interest in farming activities. He also had a lifelong interest in the GAA and in cultural affairs in his own area. He held many offices in the GAA and was a former chairman and vice-chairman of the East Cork Board. His party and his constituents have suffered a loss at his untimely death, and I know that all Members of the House will miss his presence and his cheerful good humour.
I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to extend to the late Deputy's widow and to the members of his family the sincere sympathy of the House.
Solas na bhFlathas d'anam dílis an té atá imithe uainn.
Members rose in their places.