Before I call on the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, I wish to pay tribute to Dermot Fitzpatrick, former Member of this House and the Dáil, who sadly passed away yesterday evening. Dermot, who I knew personally and who was in college with my father, served in this House from 1997 to 2002 and served terms in Dáil Éireann from 1987 to 1992 and 2002 to 2007. He was a dedicated and committed politician who made an important contribution to the lives of many, particularly throughout the Dublin Central constituency. He was a true gentleman and a very well respected doctor and dentist. On behalf of Senators, I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to his wife, Mary, and his children, particularly our colleague, Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, who we are all thinking of at this time. I know that since Dermot left the House, he was a committed member of the Irish Association of Former Parliamentarians and he regularly attended the Houses for its annual general meetings, seminars and various functions. I saw him here in recent months. It is very sad that he has passed and I know we will honour and remember him more substantially on a future date.
Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad
I am sure we will all have an opportunity to extend our condolences to the Fitzpatrick family. On behalf of the Government, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to his family.