Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I welcome the extended family of former Senator Billy Kenneally. I did not know him, although I know his son only too well. I never had the pleasure of serving with him. Nonetheless, on behalf of Members on the Independent benches, I wish to be associated with the tributes being paid to him today. At a time when politics is held in low esteem by the media and the general population and it is hard to be a politician, Billy Kenneally's record of decades of service at local and national level is what is required in a functioning democracy. Without this, it would not happen. People talk about families trying to take over areas but I salute this family for giving members of three generations to public representation. This is something about which it can be extraordinarily proud. No doubt Mrs. Kenneally carried the burden of raising a family and running a household. I express to her our appreciation of her personal commitment. This would not have happened without her support.

Children expect their parents to pass on at some stage. Very often, however, the pain of someone dying is felt by the grandchildren. Billy's grandchildren have great memories and can be proud of their grandad. He did a lot of good things. At some stage they might read about some of the things he said in these Houses and learn more about him.

On behalf of my colleagues on the Independent benches, I express my condolences to Billy's family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.