Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The Leader says it is great to see one of us being given a distinction. The Independent Members consider Senator Maurice Hayes one of us and we have always kept a seat for him on this side of the House. Regarding the star of the County Down, I remember years ago reading his autobiography and being delighted to see that he might be more likely to be called the rose of Tralee as all his roots are in north Kerry where he is well loved and regarded.

Senator Maurice Hayes has served as chairman of the Forum on Europe. He has brought added value and new definition to the concept of public service in two jurisdictions. He has brought a new understanding of Europe to every corner of this country and he has done it in English, i nGaeilge and, for all I know, in Scots Gaelic also. It was wonderful to see the Senator in so many corners of Ireland where people listened to his words of wisdom on Europe. I spent one evening with him in Dún Chaoin. Bhí muid ag argóint agus ag cur na díospóireacta atá coitianta sa Teach seo ach nach raibh ag tarlú i measc an ghnáthphobal os comhair na ndaoine. Sin an jab atá déanta aige níos mó ná aon rud eile — tá sé in ann, i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge, an tionscnamh Eorpach a chur faoi bhráid na ndaoine. He said that had to be done articulately, clearly and in a way that reaches and touches people. As Senator Maurice Hayes said during the week, we are very close to a point at which nearly half the population was born since we joined Europe. We must keep that fact in our minds when we talk about Europe as being something distant from us and out there. It is much closer to us now.

Senator Maurice Hayes has been a servant of democracy. He has shown himself to be fair. He has served with distinction and no one deserves more the accolade which has been granted to him this week. I congratulate him.