Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The late Pádraig Faulkner was a true steward of the Dáil and a brilliant elected representative of County Louth. He graced this land for 94 years but it was his 30 years of service in this House that marked him as special. He lived through and played a key role in some of the most dramatic events in the history of the State. He was elected to the Dáil in 1957, a notable year for County Louth, and remained a Deputy until 1987. His 30 years of continuous service to his country is unlikely to be seen again.

He was a true Louth man, having gone to school in the Christian Brothers in Dundalk and hailing from Dunleer in mid-Louth. His good nature was evident from his charity work in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul while studying to be a teacher in St. Patrick’s College. Having failed to be elected in 1954, he completed that feat three years later. After that, he would help to shape generations to come. He smoothed the path to free education and championed the need for more teachers and school transport. He introduced the legislation to set up An Post and Telecom Éireann and helped extend the telephone service to many rural areas, as he backed the European policy in that regard. As Minister for Tourism and Transport, he ensured the DART was built despite mixed political support. It remains one of his greatest legacies.

As Minister for Education from July 1969 to March 1973, he was the originator of the regional college concept, which has since made such a significant and vital contribution to the development and extension of education in County Louth and in this country as a whole. When he retired 25 years ago, he became an even bigger part of the community in his beloved Dunleer and gave back to mid-Louth.

During his political career he served as Minister in numerous portfolios, including as Minister for the Gaeltacht, Minister for Education, Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, Minister for Tourism and Transport and Minister for Defence. He was a proud Louth man and a great gentleman of politics. In his time, Pádraig Faulkner made a massive contribution to his constituency and the country. Pádraig was a man of decency, good humour and integrity. He epitomised the spirit of decency of Louth. He will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and those who supported him generously in the ballot box. I give my vote of sympathy to Kitty and the family.

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