Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too want to salute and pay tribute to Marie Smith, her late mother, Peg, all the team in the restaurant and, indeed, all the staff in the House for the courtesy and kindness shown to all Members, which other speakers have noted, whether we might be picky, pernickety, awkward or in good form. Marie gave us a fáilte speisialta inside in the restaurant. I knew nothing about the nutty table but I now know what is wrong with the Labour Party. I knew nothing about that table. That was before my time. Marie's smile, gregarious warmth and the way she was always helpful made everybody feel so welcome at all times. It was great to compare notes on her grandchildren and my own. I hope that she will be able to come back with her grandchildren occasionally. I know how much she loves her family, her husband Paddy, her children and, most especially, her grandchildren. She adores them. Any of us who are privileged to have grandchildren adore them greatly. They give us great joy. I hope Marie will enjoy them now and will enjoy her time with her family and everything else. She should not mind Deputy Howlin about the number of holidays she is taking. She should take it one day at a time. Go n-éirí go geal léi.

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