Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I also wish to be associated with the tributes to the late Séamus Brennan who, as was stated, was a Member of this House from 1977 to 1981 having been nominated by the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch. My first meeting with Séamus was in April 1976 when I was first elected to Offaly County Council. He was general secretary and I attended a meeting of young councillors. I have always considered that the advice he gave at that time has stood me in good stead in all this time.

It came across always that Séamus was an extremely safe pair of hands on television and radio and in any portfolio he held. He made an outstanding contribution to Irish political life, in both Houses of the Oireachtas and as a Minister in many portfolios. I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife Ann, his sons and daughters and all family members on a very sad loss. May he rest in peace.