Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It gives me great pleasure to add my few words about the Superintendent, Commandant O'Donohoe, at a time when he cannot answer me back immediately. Having spent the last 16 years on a monthly if not a weekly basis in regular energetic engagements with the Superintendent, I can say without fear of contradiction that he is a person who has discharged his duty as a public servant with absolute distinction. He has done it effectively and efficiently. He knows every square inch not to mind every square yard of these buildings. He knows where everyone is and where everyone should be. He knows where the spare capacity is, if one could get him to reveal that. He can tell one who has more space than is required and what everyone's rights are.

He is also a troublemaker par excellence in the greatest and grandest manner. He has carried himself not only with distinction but with some aplomb in the way he has done his duty here. At his core has been the way he has held in such respect the traditions of these Houses. He has asked me a million times if the Members respecting the traditions. He has said to me on occasions that he saw Members present themselves in a way that parliamentarians should not, that Members have walked between the Speaker and the contributor and other Members have engaged with people in the Visitors' Gallery or the members of the press without due consideration for the contributor. The Superintendent keeps the Houses in line and has done so with absolute centrality. He has been unwavering and has not been subject to bias or the views of a particular party. He saw the job that had to be done and did it well. I have had many arguments with him, which is only right. I have never seen him act in any way other than in the most honourable fashion. He has set a very high standard. We are all delighted he made such a great recovery from illness last year.