Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I join others in paying tribute to Shay Byrne on the occasion of his retirement as Head Usher and on behalf of the Labour group I extend my thanks for the calmness, efficiency and good humour which he brought to his work over many years. I had a very positive experience of Shay's incredible problem-solving skills and can-do approach when I organised a day for former and current women Members of the Oireachtas in the Dáil Chamber when I was not here longer than a year. It was a rather unorthodox event and could not have run as smoothly as it did without the contribution and good will of Shay Byrne and other ushers. I am very grateful to Shay and all of the other ushers for the work they did that day and have done since. In the short time I have been a Member I have come to appreciate how smoothly and efficiently the House runs and how much this is due to the commitment and hard work of the ushers, especially the head usher.

I cannot believe Shay has been here for 38 years which is a long time in anyone's book. As other speakers noted, I expect he has many stories to tell, given his bird's eye view and fly-on-the-wall perspective. I am sure there will be plenty of good anecdotes and stories to come during Shay's retirement. I wish him and his family well and hope he will have a long, healthy and happy retirement.