Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

It was with a real sense of shock and sadness that we heard this morning of the sudden passing of our dear colleague, Senator Kieran Phelan. That sense of shock will have been multiplied hundredfold for his wife, Mary; his four daughters, Fiona, Martina, Brenda and Aisling; and his son, Patrick. My heartfelt sympathy and that of my party goes out to them on this very sad day. Death is always numbing for the loved ones of the person who has passed away, but to have an unexpected death such as this is truly tragic.

Only yesterday I sat at a meeting which Kieran attended, with other colleagues in this House. He was his usual jovial self. Jovial, kind, friendly and warm are the key words I would associate with him. One could always be sure of a warm smile and an encouraging word from him and he did his work very diligently in this House. His loss will be greatly felt by his colleagues in the Laois-Offaly Fianna Fáil organisation and in the council where he played such a major role for so long. He made his contributions effectively in this House and was clearly enjoying his second term in the Seanad. His passing will be felt keenly by all of us who interacted with him in politics. To his friends and colleagues in Fianna Fáil, staff and supporters, I offer my condolences on behalf of the Fine Gael Party. We join them all in offering our deepest sympathy to Kieran's wife, Mary, and his five children at this very sad time. Ar dheis Dé go a raibh a anam dílis.