Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

As Leader of the House, I join the Cathaoirleach in expressing our sympathy to the family of Breda Courtney who died so suddenly. I often think of the people who come here and do their work so assiduously every day. I am pleased her colleagues are here with us this afternoon. Their job must sometimes be very boring and never-ending. Speaking for myself, they hear drivel in both Houses from time to time, and yet they must keep their equilibrium and steadily work on. Breda Courtney was a parliamentary reporter since 1996 and was in this House on many occasions.

Under the Cathaoirleach's aegis and that of his predecessors, we have always expressed sympathy when former Senators or people who graced this Chamber pass away. We are glad to do so because we regard them as our former comrades. Those who work in this Chamber are also comrades, particularly among their colleagues and close friends. I am sure they swap stories and have many interesting conversations together.

Be that as it may, Breda passed away so terrifyingly quickly, being in the House one day and gone the next, that it struck fear into our hearts when we heard it. While we may not have known her full name, we all knew Breda when she came into the Chamber as unassuming, studious and assiduous, all of the qualities one expects in a person of that calling. On behalf of my party and as Leader of the House, I join with the Cathaoirleach in voicing our sympathy to her family.