Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I am sorry the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Brendan Howlin, has left the Chair because I wanted, like other colleagues, to be associated with the congratulations to him. He and I are colleagues in the Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa. I have known Deputy Howlin as a great man since 1994 — Deputy Brian Hayes will be too young to remember this — when, as Minister for Health he appointed me as a local member of the Tallaght Hospital board. I have been in his debt since then.

It is good to see more famous colleagues from Dublin South-West present to hear my few words. I appreciate that support.

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