Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I echo the Leader's comments in wishing Mr. Ray Hesse a long and happy retirement from this August. He was right to choose to retire in a month when the Houses will not be overburdened. He has given great and sterling service to the Houses over a long period of time, as the Leader has said. We are grateful for Ray Hesse's work and contribution, not only to the Houses but also to the notion of parliamentary democracy in this country. Members too often forget the contribution made by the officers of the Houses. I refer to the permanent Civil Service, who run the Houses in all our names.

I thank Ray Hesse, on behalf of the thousands of citizens he has met over the years, for organising for tour groups to visit the Houses and for giving them information on such occasions. We often forget that the ushers are an essential cog in the wheel when schoolchildren and other groups come to Leinster House. They give the public the information they need about the workings of the Houses. I wish Ray Hesse a long and happy retirement. I hope he enjoys a break with his family after many years of distinguished public service.