Dan Boyle (Green Party)

On behalf of the Green Party - Comhaontas Glas, I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the family of the late Nuala Fennell and her political colleagues in Fine Gael. Nuala Fennell's entry into public life and a position of political prominence coincided with my first experience as a voter. I remember her as being one of the new breed of women entering Irish politics. She was part of that vanguard. That the advances made in the early 1980s seem to have slowed down since is regrettable. Nuala Fennell made the breach and used the opportunity presented by her involvement in public life to achieve significant legislative change. The legislation annulling the legal concept of illegitimacy is something with which anyone involved in public life would be very glad to be associated and will forever be associated with her efforts.

It has also been commented on that her contribution to public life went beyond elected office in both Houses. Her contribution preceded her election to Dáil Éireann and membership of this House and continued after her retirement from elected politics in 1992. Her experience stands as a template in respect of how all citizens can and should involve themselves in public life. It is about addressing issues of concern, making these concerns known and working collectively to ensure they are addressed. Not many people involved in in public life have attained the status or gained the experience of Nuala Fennell in terms of how Irish society can be changed for the better. She will be missed as a result of this.