Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to pay tribute to two long-serving members of staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas who retire this week. Dick Caffrey retires after 40 years' service in the Civil Service, 34 of them spent here in this House, many of them spent sitting in the chairs in front of me. Noel Kelly retires after 30 years' service to these Houses. Both men have witnessed so many of the great changes and the major political highlights of this Parliament over the years. They have served eight taoisigh, hundreds of Members of both the Dáil and the Seanad and they have greeted visiting presidents, prime ministers and other dignitaries from around the world. Most of all, they have ensured that we, the temporary Members of this establishment, represent the people who sent us here and do our job in the best conditions possible. They have made a very great contribution to the dignity and stature of the Houses of the Oireachtas. They should feel rightly proud of their great service to this State and to their country and it is my honour to acknowledge this service on behalf of all our colleagues here today and over the years.

Dick and Noel, I thank you for your unfailing courtesy, your counsel and your long and distinguished service to these Houses, to this State. On behalf of all the Members I wish you both and your families every happiness in the years ahead.

See this speech in context