Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

As we mark the retirement of Paddy Behan, I would like to echo the words of the Leader on behalf of the Fine Gael group. I did not know that one could retire in one's 40s. As I look at Paddy Behan, I wonder where the years have gone. Paddy Behan is a northsider like myself, although I have not mentioned that to many people in west Dublin over the past nine years. He is part and parcel of the north side of Dublin. He is an avid golfer and a member of Clontarf Golf Club, as well as a keen cyclist and marathon runner. He is an instrinsic part of St. Vincent's GAA Club, and all that stands for on the north side of Dublin. I am sure Senator McDowell will tell us more about that later. He is one of the few people in the House with an All-Ireland medal. It now seems to be an astonishing feat for a Dubliner to win an All-Ireland medal. Where was he when we needed him in recent years? Paddy is a great sportsman and I know he will remain as fit as he was when working in Leinster House.

I met a junior colleague of Paddy's yesterday who said all the staff would miss him terribly. The colleague said that Paddy, in his 32 years in the House, never once gave an order. Such was his manner that he never had to do so. I know how well respected he is among the staff of the Houses. Paddy will be missed greatly but I know he will visit the Houses after he retires and bring in the scones and bread which he will bake at home from time to time. I wonder if he will ever write a book given that he was a member of staff in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, during which period he experienced turbulent years and all kinds of events. He will not be prevented from doing so because the Official Secrets Act does not apply to retired civil servants.

I wish Paddy every success in his retirement and hope his wife and children, who will now see him more than they used to, will continue to enjoy his company for many years. I, on behalf of Fine Gael and all Members of the Seanad, sincerely thank him for his sterling work and, as the Leader implied, his sterling contribution to public service in this country. He will be greatly missed and I hope he will have a wonderful retirement.