Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

I ask Members to join me in welcoming here today the family of the late Austin Currie, who died in November of last year. We welcome Austin's wife, Anita, and his children, Estelle, Caitríona, Dualta, Austin and our own colleague in the Oireachtas, Senator Emer Currie, along with Austin's grandchildren and other extended family members.

I note that we are also joined by a distinguished former Taoiseach. He is very welcome.

Members do not need me to remind them of Austin Currie's immense contribution to political life on this island. The courage he displayed in his life, his tenacity, and his belief in the principles of equality and justice are an example to us all today. As a founding member of the SDLP, Austin Currie helped to change the course of history. He made an immense contribution to achieving peace on this island and his life was dedicated to the service of other people. He was, in truth, a leader and a statesman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

As tradition requires, I now call on the Tánaiste, as his party leader, to begin the tributes to Austin.

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