Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I note the name on the monitor has changed from Mr. Kieran Phelan to Senator Kieran Phelan. Kieran Phelan was a very special person who loved his family, his constituency and the land. When he arrived in Leinster House on a Tuesday, we would all hear about the activities of the Phelan family - his wife; daughters, Martina, Brenda, Aisling and Fiona; son, Patrick; mum; sisters and brothers. He was so proud of everything they did and the people they were that we felt we knew all of them. Every Thursday he thought he would never get back on the road to return to those whom he loved. I extend my deepest sympathy to all of them on their loss.

Kieran loved the constituency of Laois-Offaly and was proud of all his colleagues. When the Cathaoirleach was elected to the post, he was delighted. When Deputy Cowen became Taoiseach, he was over the moon, but when Deputy Moloney became Minister of State with responsibility for disability and mental health issues, we all thought he would burst with pride. He took great pleasure in each success and the advance of his friend of long-standing, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I am struck by the fact that both the Minister and Minister of State spoke in the Chamber earlier.

Kieran was the epitome of kindness. Whether one was friend or foe, he had an enormous capacity for kindness should one hit a spot of bother. It was a reflection of his humanity and I certainly was a recipient of that kindness. He had a very special friendship with Senator Wilson and when I became a Member of the Seanad in 2007, they kindly allowed me to tag along occasionally. On the night before he died, the three of us had tea together. Kieran spoke at length about everything and issued instructions to both of us as he went along. When we left the restaurant to walk back to the hotel, he spoke about his membership of the House. He stated it had always been a dream of his; he spoke about running and not being elected and being afraid he never would make it. He spoke about his happiness at making it in 2002 and how, when he was re-elected in 2007, it was like an impossible dream that had come true. He stopped in the street and remarked on what an honour and privilege it was to be a Member of the Seanad and that it was great to be alive to experience it. He was very proud of his membership of the House and enjoyed being in the Chair. He is the only Acting Chairman I can recall who warned a Minister not to make him the first to ask a Minister to leave the Chamber.

Kieran was very special and I was lucky to have him as a friend. All Members were lucky to know him. They all miss him and I can only imagine the profound grief his family must feel. However, he did them proud. May he rest in peace.