Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

As has been said, the Superintendent of the Houses, Éamon O'Donohoe, retires today after almost 21 years of service in Leinster House. Commandant Éamon O'Donohoe was appointed to the Office of Superintendent of the Houses in January 1981. For more than 20 years he has filled that office with dedication, strength of purpose, vision and total commitment to protecting and maintaining the dignity of the Houses of the Oireachtas and their Members.

As other speakers mentioned, he came to Leinster House following a distinguished career in the Army which included service overseas with the United Nations. As an internationally acclaimed showjumper, he represented Ireland on numerous occasions including, as the Leader of the House said, in the 1960 Rome Olympics. Éamon is a perfectionist who has taken pride in doing his job well. As a man of principle, he achieved a perfect balance, worthy of an Olympic competitor, between the need for the highest level of security and protocol and preserving the freedom and independence of Members, staff, press and visitors. Many would say he was tough but very fair.

We will all miss Éamon's presence and his expertise and protocol, especially during visits to Leinster House by dignitaries. I wish him happy and healthy years in his retirement together with his wife, Vera, and their children and grandchildren.