Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Ní raibh aon aithne agam ar Seán Keegan, cé gur bhuail mé leis uair nó dhó. However, on behalf of the Independent benches I wish to be associated with the words said by the Leader in a fine tribute.

We on the Independent benches always seek to put on the record that we recognise and appreciate the diligent public service of people like the former Senator, Seán Keegan, as this is what keeps democracy going. He served time at county council level, in the Seanad and Dáil and people like him grease the wheels of democracy. I also wish to be associated with the condolences offered to his wife, Mary, and family as it is clear that a person with Seán Keegan's level of commitment and involvement must have received great support and tolerance from them.

I note with interest the Leader's comments on Seán Keegan's commitment to the public service because I said some angry words on the Order of Business this morning relating to attitudes to the public service. Mr. Keegan was represented in terms of education, on the VEC, on agricultural committees, and on the health boards. No more could be asked of a public representative in terms of participation in national politics than to commit to these three huge areas. We might disagree on how we approach these areas but his commitment was hugely important.

We wish to be associated with these expressions of sympathy and sympathise with the Fianna Fáil Party, which has lost a loyal supporter. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. Aithnímid an obair a dhein sé agus é sa Teach seo, sa Dáil agus sa chomhairle contae. B'fhéidir go mbeidh seans agam amach anseo níos mó a léamh ar an mhéid a dhein sé, but in the meantime we offer our condolences and wish to be associated with the other expressions of sympathy that have been offered.