John Ellis (Fianna Fail)

Like other Members I wish to be associated with the good wishes expressed to Shay, with whom I have shared time in the Houses for 33 years. Both of us have a little more colour in our hair than we had when I arrived in 1977. The one thing I have always found about Shay, as I have found with every member of staff of this House, is the courtesy shown to every Member. If anyone had a complaint, I guarantee it was not the fault of staff but of the Member who would have created the situation. I say that across the board in regard to all staff.

I wish Shay and Liam well. Senator Leyden spoke about when we first came to the House. In those days the number of ushers was much smaller and Shay and his companions had to do much more work in longer hours than are served by staff now. I know it is appropriate to say that staff still perform their full duties but because the complement of ushers was much smaller in those days, they had to cover everything. The leader of the Opposition stated that Shay was a master of photocopying and recycling and suchlike in his early days. To Shay and his wife and family, I say enjoy it. He has made his contribution to this House and this country.