Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know that Donal took to it with great enthusiasm. I know from my own family background that he enjoyed having many engagements with sports people and was very generous in his time with former sports people as well. Of course, his key legacy was his work in laying the groundwork for the national lottery, which has had a huge impact in communities throughout the country, particularly sporting communities, in terms of improved facilities.

It is interesting, looking at the issues he raised early on in his political career, that some of them are as pertinent today as they were then. One of his final contributions in this House was to make the case for the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces.

He said, "We pay tribute to them but it is important that the issue of pay and conditions is resolved."

Donal was an outstanding family man. He had more than two dozen grandchildren, and was clearly never happier than when play and joining in games and exploits with them. I believe he was reprimanded for sliding down the bannister on occasion, as well as other exploits. He was a true public servant but he was a gentleman and a very warm person. While he was a dedicated Fine Gael man, he was popular across the House and was always very approachable and pragmatic. If he could do something for somebody he would do it. He helped anyone who approached him. He was particularly proud that his son, Michael, won the Dáil seat following his retirement, and was more proud again when Michael was appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Donal loved that area and worked so hard to improve it.

On behalf of our party, I wish to extend our sympathies to his wife, Madeleine, his daughters, Marcella, Michelle, Madeleine, Suzanne and Louise and, of course, to our colleague, Michael. We also remember his infant daughter, Nuala, and his eldest daughter, Claire, who predeceased him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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