Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I would like to be associated, on my own behalf and on behalf of Deirdre, Jody and the Seanad staff, with the tributes to the late Kieran Phelan. As has been stated, he was a Member of this House since 2002. I first knew Kieran when he was a member of Laois County Council. He served with his father in politics prior to that. He served the people of Laois for many years. He was elected on the industrial and commercial panel of Seanad Éireann in 2002 and again in 2007 as a nominee of the Irish Country Houses and Restaurants Association.

Kieran's integrity and demeanour and unfailing sense of humour made him one of the most popular members of the House and won him respect and friendship of Members from all parties and groups. As a temporary Chair, he regularly presided over sittings, and his sense of fairness and procedural knowledge was very obvious. As was commented on earlier by a Senator, he almost created a record at one time during a robust exchange between Members of the Opposition and a Minister. Kieran told the Minister he might set a record as he might be the first man to ask a Minister to leave the Seanad Éireann Chamber.

To his wife, Mary, his mother, Delia, his grandson, Noah, and all his family and friends here today, I extend my sincere sympathy at this very difficult and sad time. May he rest in peace.