Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I speak on behalf of a group that has never before been recognised in this House, and which will dissolve as soon as I finish speaking, that is, present and former Members from Northern Ireland. I recall Gordon Wilson telling me about his experience of coming to Leinster House when he said he had no problems because there was a man called Paddy Behan who filled up all the forms for him and that was all he had to do. If I may speak on behalf of Gordon Wilson, Bríd Rodgers, Seamus Mallon and SamMcAughtry, and warmly on my own behalf, I pay tribute to Paddy Behan and thank him for all he has done to make this place so liveable in, and so welcoming to people. To instil that sort of culture and spirit in all the people who work here is an achievement and I am sorry to see him decommissioning but am glad he has no objection to being photographed.

I did not realise until I read his curriculum vitae recently that I had come across Paddy approximately 46 years ago, in much less pleasant circumstances. He was a member of a Dublin minor team which beat a Down minor team in the semi-final of the all-Ireland. He was a star then and he is a star now. I thank him personally for all he has done.