Joe O'Toole (Independent)

While looking at the monitor during the course of the expressions of sympathy for Michael O'Higgins, it struck me that people like him who served so long and so loyally in this House, including as Leader, should be entitled to retain the title of Senator, as I previously said on the occasion of the retirement of former Senator Des Hanafin. We would all be honoured by being associated with people who gave such loyal service. Whereas it is fine to refer to Mr. Michael J. O'Higgins, recording our appreciation and condolences brings to mind that such people should be recognised long after leaving here. People who have given that kind of service would add much to political life by retaining the title they had while serving in this House. We should consider this matter seriously. It is not a title of nobility and no constitutional change would be required. I make a habit of referring to Des Hanafin as "Senator" when I meet him and I always refer to every former Taoiseach as "Taoiseach". An Taoiseach is the current Taoiseach and any former holder of the office should be addressed as Taoiseach. This is one of the few aspects of the American system which I admire.

Many people of my age grew up in a culture where the counter of every corner shop had a donation box seeking to help the education of children in Africa. Added to that was the iconic imagery of African schoolchildren playing hurling or Gaelic football under the watchful eye of an Irish Christian Brother or priest in Africa. Having been rooted in that culture and background it is difficult to accept the sight of an African-Irish schoolboy in an Irish school uniform being exiled to a country where he has no protection, family or support.