Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome students from St. Joseph's national school in Dundalk, 70 of whom came through the House this morning.

I extend my sympathies to the former Senator and Deputy, Nicky McFadden.

I did not know Nicky until I became a Senator but was immediately struck by the warmth and friendliness of her personality. She was a person who was always smiling, always in good form and always had a cheery "hello". For somebody coming into a new situation, she was a person who was very welcoming. Her dignity and courage were exceptional. As Senator Mooney said about Colm Murray, it must be an inner strength that people get because she certainly was a lady who showed amazing courage, strength and dignity and bore her illness with great courage. I extend my sympathy to her children, grandchildren, aunt, family, friends and staff.

I also extend my sympathy to the family of the former Senator Edward Haughey who was a great Dundalk man and had great Dundalk connections and who did so much quietly, behind the scenes, for the people of Dundalk. I am aware that one of the schools in Dundalk has a building called after Senator Edward Haughey for the work he did there. He was a man who played a major role and is another great loss to this country.

Next week, 2 April, is world autism day. On that day people are requested to light up buildings blue. Last week as we celebrated St. Patrick's Day the country went completely green. Every year we are going more green and this year Government Buildings were green for St. Patrick's Day. Its purpose is to highlight autism and raise awareness of the issue. Great strides have been made. I note from the list that the Empire State Building, New York, is lighting up, as is the Sydney Opera House. I ask the Leader whether the obelisk in Leinster Lawn could be lit up for world autism day to show our solidarity, awareness and support for those with autism.