Shane Ross (Independent)

I join in the expressions of regret, congratulations and applause for Frank Lane on his retirement. He has been here as long as the Cathaoirleach and me and it is a tribute to his endurance that he has served so many Members and been so popular for so long. He has one of those extraordinary talents now lacking in many in modern Ireland in that he always has time for people. He has always been prepared to stop to relate an anecdote, to be cheerful and to take the trouble to talk with people. He has not been affected by the kind of impatience from which many of us suffer in this modern competitive world. It is a great tribute to him that he is still serving the Oireachtas. We will miss having him stop and tell us what is happening in the real world.

Frank Lane is a man for whom we all have enormous affection. He is even tempered and decent and takes the trouble to assist Members which is in the finest tradition of all the ushers. He is a man who will go the extra mile for Members. The Captain of the Guard is in the Press Gallery so perhaps I should not say this. However, when I would meet him late on a Friday at approximately 9.59 p.m., Frank would always be prepared to give me a lenient extension on time. Sometimes he would not close the gate quite at the time he should. I will miss that sort of leniency and generosity in his passing. His passing should make us——