Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

My first duty today is a sad one. I must announce to the House the death of our esteemed colleague, Senator Tony Kett. His sudden and untimely death has shocked and saddened everyone. Tony had been a Member of this House since 1997. As a nominee of the Central Remedial Clinic, he successfully contested three Seanad elections on the Administrative Panel. He entered politics formally in 1988 as a member of the then Dublin Corporation. He worked for many years as an administrator in the Central Remedial Clinic. His expertise and knowledge of issues relating to disability and education were greatly valued by his colleagues in the Seanad. He made a huge contribution to Irish political life and the Houses of the Oireachtas in his role as a Senator. During my terms as Assistant Whip and as Whip, Tony was totally reliable. He was always there when he was needed, as the voting records of the Seanad will show. Tony Kett was a good humoured, committed, sincere, low key and happy person. He retained his sense of humour even during his long battle with ill-health. The things that were important to Tony — his family, his commitment to public service, his work in the Central Remedial Clinic, politics, sport and his friends — were clear to see at this morning's funeral ceremony. He will be sadly missed by his many friends in the Oireachtas. His passing leaves a void that will be very hard to fill. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family, particularly his wife, Noreen, his son, Jason, and his daughters, Jenifer and Joanne, on their sad loss.