John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I too would like to pay tribute to Frank Lane. There is always a tendency on these occasions for tributes to sound like obituaries. That is not our intention.

Frank Lane is a long-standing member of Oireachtas staff and has looked after us well. One of his characteristics, which applies to many of the ushers, is his military bearing. One can tell people who have had military training because it stands out, not just in their general deportment but in their approach to people. As someone who has looked after Heads of State and important visitors here, one of his greatest characteristics has been that he treats everybody the same, irrespective of their station, which is a valuable trait.

He was above ground until the postal service went underground and he was consigned to the dungeons. He will, hopefully, now be released into the daylight. I know he has a boat on the Shannon at Banagher which I hope he and his wife enjoy. We wish him every success and good wishes on his retirement and thank him for the service he has given over such an extended period.