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

I propose on hearing from the Taoiseach and the leaders of the party groups that we then hear the constituency Deputies. I then have a list of speakers, including members of the Government and others, if that is in order.

Before I call the Taoiseach I want to say it is profoundly sad the occasion has arisen whereby we must meet here today to express our sympathies to Finola Bruton, her children, Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, to our colleague and friend, Deputy Richard Bruton, and to his sister, Mary, on the passing of our former esteemed Taoiseach and colleague, John Bruton. John Bruton gave this country decades, indeed a lifetime, of sterling service. He was in every respect a modern Irish patriot. His commitment to the European Union was demonstrated and he strode the international stage with purpose and confidence.

He was a conviction politician, devoted to his family, tireless in the service of the Irish people and yet always warm, friendly, approachable and totally unassuming. A man of high intellect, he was also someone of absolute integrity and we are, colleagues, all the poorer today for his passing.

Taoiseach, will you lead us, please?

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