Before I call on the Leader of the House to announce the Order of Business I should like to propose a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Deputy Ber Cowen who served here in this House for a number of years and in the other House. I offer my sincere sympathy to his widow and family. I should like to add that I always found him to be a gentleman.
Death of Deputy. - Expression of Sympathy.
I should like to join with the Cathaoirleach in paying tribute to the late Deputy Ber Cowen. His family at this time of great grief can find consolation in the fact that at all times he worked extremely hard for his family and the country in whatever capacity he occupied at local level or in the Seanad or in Dáil Éireann. It is a sad occasion for us to have to pass and support this expression of sympathy.
I should like to join in the expression of sympathy. Many of us remember the late Ber Cowen as an agreeable and hard-working colleague in this House over a number of years. We join with the Cathaoirleach in offering sympathy to his family on their loss.
I should like to join with the Cathaoirleach, Senator Lanigan and the Leader of the House in extending sympathy, on behalf of the Labour Party, to the widow and family of the late Deputy Ber Cowen. He had been a Member of this House in the past and a Minister of State. In the latter capacity I had many dealings with him on the General Council of Committees of Agriculture. I always found him to be a most willing listener on the problems of agriculture. He had a tremendous grasp of the problems and was a very good friend. A tremendous wit, it was always a pleasure to be in his company.
I should like to be associated with the expression of sympathy to Mrs. Cowen and her family on the death of our colleague Deputy Ber Cowen. I shared the same constituency with him and I always enjoyed the most cordial relations with him. He was an easy man to work with. His death will be a great loss in the constituency.
I should like to be associated with the expression of sympathy. The late Deputy Cowen was a man of great humour and generosity of spirit. Our thoughts are with his widow and family at this time.
Senators rose in their places.