Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I beg the indulgence of the Ceann Comhairle to extend my congratulations and those of the House to Mr. Bernard Hand, who is present and who will leave us this week as he retires. Bernard joined the Houses of the Oireachtas almost 20 years ago and in that time he has seen four general elections, welcomed new Members and, sadly, said farewell to others. He did so always in the most professional and courteous manner and maintained the highest standards that are the hallmark of the parliamentary staff in the Houses of the Oireachtas. He has greeted thousands of visitors to Leinster House with his own inimitable friendly smile. He ensured that when they left the building, they had happy memories of their visit here. Bernard follows the fortunes of the Dubs and has had a golden period since 2011 to our own detriment in Mayo. He will not take offence when I remind him that there are a few of us with loyalties to other counties, but we wish him well with his enhanced opportunity to support his favourite team. Bernard's new-found freedom will give him more time with his wife, Laura, and his five children Robert, Damien, Aishling, Ciarán and Laura. I understand he also has four wonderful grandchildren, Meabh, Caoimhe, Dara and Ronán.

As he leaves us, he can be very proud of his service to the State and the people who are elected to serve in this House and the Seanad. On behalf of all our colleagues, I thank him for his many years of first-class service and wish him the very best of good health and fortune with his wife and family in the many years ahead.

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