Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to the former Deputy, John Browne. He was a native of my own parish of Kilmihil in County Clare. In fact, when I look out my breakfast room window in the morning, I see his home across the valley. I knew John very well and I particularly know his daughter, Carmel, who is the principal of the primary school in Kilmihil. I had the pleasure of meeting Carmel here in the company of her father two years ago when Kilmihil national school came to visit the Dáil. John Browne had a passion for education which he passed on to his family, including both Carmel and his son, Fergal, who is the principal of St. Joseph's national school in Carlow. I express my sympathy to Carmel, to all family members and, in particular, to Nancy Browne, who has been a frequent visitor to Kilmihil. It was my pleasure to look after the Browne family for many years in my former role as a GP. John died at the age of 82 and he still maintained the affection of the House. He came to the celebrations of the centenary of the Dáil last January and, as I have said, he was here two years ago in the company of the primary school in Kilmihil. In fact, he had the pleasure of meeting his grandchildren-in-law - I believe that is the proper way to describe them - who came as part of that delegation.

His first step into politics was when he was elected to Carlow County Council in 1979. He was nominated to the Senate by Garrett FitzGerald in 1983. He became party spokesperson on communications following his election to the Dáil in 1989 and remained here for 13 years until 2002.

He had a wide range of interests, including European affairs, education, health, rural affairs, social welfare, the Irish language, of course, criminal law and overseas aid. He was also a fluent Irish speaker and made many contributions to the Dáil in Irish and English. I offer my sympathies to the family.

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