Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being present earlier. I have missed an interesting meeting. President Chávez was democratically elected by the people of his country so our expressions of condolences and our sympathy should be sent via the ambassador to the government and the people of Venezuela. Senator Norris referred to the considerable suffering but I presume he had an amazing will to live for himself and his people and that is the reason he endured that treatment. An acknowledgement of the medical system in Cuba which has been to the fore in looking after President Chávez is warranted.