Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I was elected to this House in a by-election in 2009. I was a new Green Senator and was green in every sense of the word. Kieran sat behind me and I got to chat with him. I got to know him quite well. He took me under his wing and explained to me what the hell was going on in this place because I did not really know. Most Members were elected in 2007. Kieran helped me more than almost anyone else in this Chamber. This is not to disrespect all the others who have been kind to me since I was elected. Kieran really was a very decent man.

Senator Quinn mentioned family. I am a father of five children. Kieran was very proud of his children and, in our discussions, we referred to family most. Kieran would be very proud to see all the members of his family here today. It is a fine family. It was wonderful to meet Kieran's little grandson just outside the Chamber today. It is wonderful to see a baby in the Chamber today. The family can be very proud. It is quite clear that all the Senators are very proud of Kieran Phelan. He was a great man.