Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

My first duty today is a sad one. In accordance with Standing Order 151, I must announce to the House the death of our esteemed colleague, Senator Peter Callanan. His sudden and untimely death has shocked and saddened everyone. He was a Member of the House from 1997. As a nominee of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society Limited, he successfully contested three Seanad elections on the Agricultural Panel. He entered politics formally in 1979 when he was elected as a member of Cork County Council. He served the people of County Cork with great commitment, pride and dedication. He was well regarded in his community and his knowledge of issues pertaining to agriculture was greatly valued by his Seanad colleagues. He made a huge contribution to Irish political life and the Houses of the Oireachtas as a Senator. He will be sadly missed by his many friends in all groups and parties in the Oireachtas. I extend my sincere sympathy to his wife, Sheila; his sons, Gerard, Liam, David and Denis, and his two daughters, Deirdre and Fionnuala, on their sad loss.

I call the party and group leaders to express their sympathies. Other Senators will have an opportunity to contribute when formal tributes are paid to the late Senator Callanan.