Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I second that vote of congratulations and join other colleagues, Senators Leyden, Walsh, Cummins and Burke, in their comments about our team leader with the ushers, Mick Phelan who, as the Cathaoirleach said, is carrying out his final day of duty in Seanad Éireann. Tomorrow, 14 May, will be Mick's last day of service in the Houses of the Oireachtas. He has given long and dedicated service within Government Buildings and especially in the Parliament. He served under many Governments, going back to the mid-1970s when Liam Cosgrave was Taoiseach. His time was spent between his military period as a member of the military police and in the Superintendent's section of the Houses. His friendly disposition and ever helpful and courteous manner, which we have all experienced, makes him one of the most popular ushers that has ever served any Parliament since the foundation of the State.

As the Cathaoirleach said, his great interest in the Gaelic Athletic Association, especially his native county, the Lilywhites, is well known in the House. We wish Mick, his wife, Patricia, and his family a very happy early retirement and look forward to his friendship for many years to come.