Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Before we move on to the Order of Business, I want to pay tribute, with many of my colleagues in the House, to the Superintendent of the Houses, Éamon O'Donohoe, on his retirement. For almost 22 years, he has been the Superintendent in charge of both Houses of the Oireachtas and although many distinguished people held various offices for a longer period, he is the longest holder of one particular office. Those of us who have been here for that length of time, and as well as those of a more recent vintage, have got to know and respect Éamon O'Donohoe. He came to these Houses from the Army, as is the tradition, having served in the Middle East, Burma, Israel and Lebanon and having represented Ireland over 30 times in the showjumping team, including four Aga Khan Cup competitions, and the Olympic Games. Many of us may not have known the extent of that amazing sporting background which no doubt gave him the great agility he displays constantly in this House in various ways. Indeed, he performed in the Olympic Games in Rome.