Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

They say a picture paints a thousand words. If a painting were done of this scene before us today it would, in the same way that our memories of Kieran are painted and imprinted in our minds forever, be an eloquent enough tribute in itself. The day on which Kieran's funeral took place was another picture or moment in time that we will never forget. I recall walking into the local community centre following the funeral and witnessing what people had done in order to make the day special. That is no doubt that this is another picture which will remain in my memory.

I recall how the news of Kieran's death spread throughout the Houses on 26 May last. While disbelief might have been replaced by reality in the interim, there have been many moments when we have found it difficult to comprehend that Kieran, who was bigger than life in the most positive sense, is not going to appear in the restaurant to have tea or is not going to be present in the House. Kieran will never be gone. Those of us who knew him will always remember him fondly. We are fortunate to have served as Members at the same time as he did. We all remember him as a highly respected, well-loved and very loyal man.

Previous speakers referred to Kieran's good sense of humour. There was a gang of them in it in that regard. It was great fun for anyone who was on the fringes of the group in which he mixed but I am not sure whether it would have been much fun to be the centre of that group's attention. Kieran had a great sense of humour and he smiled when one was down. He cheered people up when they did not feel themselves to be in great shape. I do not believe I ever saw him being grumpy or in bad form, even when he was not feeling well. I recall touching base with him on a particular day and informing him that I did not believe he looked especially well. He said to me "Come on and have a cup of tea - it will be grand".

There are many things one would love to say on a day such as this. However, I am conscious of the time constraints. All I will say to Delia, Mary and the entire family is that all of us in this House are of the view that we lost Kieran too early. We could have enjoyed many more cups of coffee with him in the bar. The members of his family have suffered the direct loss and it is they who have been obliged to live through the months since May. I hope that in the midst of their pain, their happy memories of Kieran have - as is the case with Members - made them smile and laugh. Kieran Phelan will never be dead because we have our memories of him. The unlucky ones are, perhaps, his grandchildren who will never have the opportunity to meet him. I am certain, however, that his family will ensure that their grandfather will be as alive in their hearts as he is in ours.

No amount of words will paint a picture for the family. I am sure, however, that they have many pictures in their photo albums and stored in their minds. I hope that what Members have said about Kieran has offered the family some solace. We give solace to each other by having moments in time like this.