Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I, too, want to be associated with all the kind remarks about the late Senator Willie Farrell. I served here with him from 1997 until 2002 and we were on the same panel. I joked earlier about chocolate, but that was a reference to slightly later. Despite that fact, however, we became great friends. He had lovely stories and was always prepared to give one the arm, and advice, which was unusual for people on the same panel in this House. As my colleague here said, he was very much a straight shooter. He contributed in practically every sitting, particularly on the Order of Business, and he was always extremely practical in what he dealt with.

I was always very happy to be in his company. I recall a nice summer's day in Rosses Point, when he scored very well in an Oireachtas outing. He was adept at the golf, despite his disability and greatly enjoyed it. He did not seem to be handicapped because he could beat the blazes out of many of us, as I discovered. I am delighted to be associated with this celebration of his life, in a sense. There is much more that we could say but the Cathaoirleach does not want us to hold up the House any further, since we have an important Bill to deal with. That said, I am delighted to be associated with all the tributes that Willie richly deserves. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis.