Joe O'Toole (Independent)

My Independent colleagues and I wish to be associated with the words of the Leader and Senator Brian Hayes. I understand Senator Ross served alongside Mr. O'Brien in the House for a short time. I knew him through his involvement in other areas, particularly his close connection with the INTO. His involvement in that organisation began when he studied at the De La Salle teacher training college in Waterford alongside one of my illustrious predecessors, former general secretary of INTO and former Senator, Jackie Brosnan. Before shaking the chalk dust from his hair, he was the quintessential village school master, in the broadest sense of that description. That his involvement went way beyond the duties of his classroom is well recorded.

At the recent meeting of the national management committee of the GAA, his great contribution to that organisation was remembered. As a genuine public representative, he was committed both to national politics and local community development. This commitment was evident in his work to cultivate Gaeilge both as a teacher and beyond, his work for the GAA in developing cultural activities in his area, and his efforts to develop drama, which depends so much on people like him. He has the distinction of receiving the Carlisle and Blake award, an extraordinary honour that was given to only one or two teachers per year. I hope his family still have the commemorative medallion, which is an important piece of memorabilia.

He began as a class teacher, became a school principal and went on to become a national politician whose involvement in his locality represented all that was good and culturally sound in Irish life. This is something that is well worth remembering. His family can take great pride in his achievements and bask in the reflected glory of his contribution to public life at both local and national level. We offer our condolences to them. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.