Joe O'Toole (Independent)

It is always a sad day when the Tricolour flies at half mast over Leinster House to signal the death of a sitting Member. On this occasion, our expressions of sympathy are to the family of Senator Tony Kett who served in the House for ten years. On behalf of the Independent Senators, I would like to be associated with the comments made by the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and the leader of the Opposition. We recognise the public service he delivered during this political life and outside it.

In my dealings with him long before he was elected, I always found him to be somebody who took a special interest in my previous work in education and particularly in special needs. He was always open to suggestions and he always listened and tried to create an input when it was needed. He brought a great passion for special education, children with special needs and the disadvantaged to his contribution to the House. We will have occasion on another day to pay a more substantial tribute to him but I would like on behalf of the Independent Senators to express our condolences to his party and his colleagues and, in particular, to his wife, Noreen, his son, Jason and his daughters, Joanne and Jenifer. May he rest in peace.