Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I would also like to be associated with the tributes to the late Séamus Brennan who, as has been said, was a Member of this House from 1977 to 1981, having been nominated by the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch. I had the honour of serving with him in Fianna Fáil over a number of years. He made a huge contribution to Irish political life and to the Houses of the Oireachtas in his role as a Senator, a Deputy and a Minister in many portfolios.

His organisational skills were exceptional. He was a safe pair of hands and he had a warm smile. His last contribution in Seanad Éireann was to statements on tourism on 24 April of this year. He was in failing health but he made a professional and detailed contribution. It would be worth people's while reading the record of that debate.

Séamus will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, his family, his colleagues in the Oireachtas and especially by the people of Dublin South who he represented so loyally for so many years. He was one of life's gentlemen. I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife, sons, daughters and family on their sad loss.