Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I never knew the late Senator O'Reilly, but it is proper to recognise commitment to public service by recording our appreciation of his endeavours in this House over 24 years. At a time when we are trying to attract people to politics, which is held in lesser and lesser regard by the public, it is important to single out role models. The Independent Members wish to associate themselves with the expressions of condolence to Senator O'Reilly's family and to recognise his contribution to the House. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Recently I read in Irish Press reports from September 1946 that there were 36 road deaths in July and August of that year. It was, in fact, a much bigger problem then than it is now.