Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I will be happy to do so. All Senators appreciate the work of the Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas, Mr. Ray Hesse, who is present in the Chamber for the last time today. He plans to retire on 30 August next after 32 years of service in the Houses of the Oireachtas. During that time, Ray Hesse and his gorgeous gold braid have been essential features of the Houses. Senators strongly appreciate his courteous demeanour and the civility he shows to everyone. He was the first member of staff to attain Head Usher status from the service officer ranks. He was a service officer under the tutelage of Paddy Halligan for two years, before he became an usher in 1975. He worked in the textile industry before he joined the staff of the Oireachtas.

Ray Hesse's expertise in the Houses centred on Chamber attendance and a font of knowledge about the history of the Houses. I understand he is a great family man. He and his wife, Maura, have a daughter, Karen, and a son, Paul, both of whom have very successful careers. I am indebted to the Superintendent and his staff for the information they have supplied. Ray Hesse is a figure of great courtesy and dignity. That somebody of the calibre of Ray Hesse is minding the Chamber and minding us as we go about our business has been of great benefit to every one of us. We wish him great happiness.