Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It gives me great pleasure to add a few words to what has been said. When I was first elected in 1987, Tony was the first person who greeted me with "Hello, Senator." I looked around to see to whom he was talking. From that time he has always been helpful, supportive and, as the Leader has said, unfailingly courteous – sometimes to the point of deference. He has always been utterly reliable. He personifies a great sense of the dignity of the Houses of Parliament and their culture and he has upheld their proud tradition, which is crucially important.

The vital contribution of the staff to the Houses of the Oireachtas is very often forgotten. We are often the ones who break the rules around here and in his polite way Tony has been able, on many occasions, to point out to people that this is not quite the way things are done. He has played his part in maintaining the culture and values which are important in the Houses. It is crucial that this culture continues through the generations. We thank Tony for that dependability and reliability.

It is a byword that he is completely helpful, supportive and advisory to new people in the Houses, which is so important to people when they arrive and wonder where to go or what to do. Tony is one of those people who have always been able to have a quiet word with newly elected Deputies and Senators and the dignified manner in which he has done so is much appreciated.