David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had understood that the tributes to Jody would be after the Order of Business but it is quite appropriate that we give it primacy because this is the most important event that will take place today. I would ask for the indulgence of the House, since we have a rota, that after I say my few words on behalf of the Independents that I hand over to take the Order of Businesses with Senator Sean D. Barrett and then I will take my place to raise one issue later.
In a way it is an emotional day for all of us. I certainly feel that because Jody will be greatly missed in this House. When I was elected, the Clerk was another distinguished member of staff, Mr. Kieran Coughlan, who has recently retired from his position as Clerk of the Dáil.
Jody has been here many years. I will not mention the number of years but it is an alarming number which I would not be ungentlemanly enough to mention that she has actually served in this House, I simply could not believe it. With regard to the dress sense, I am very glad that Senator Ivana Bacik raised it, because I have frequently complimented Jody privately on this. I would be terrified to say anything in public because of the bourgeois PCbrigade in this House and they would tear me, limb from limb, if I dared to say anything so sexist, but coming from Senator Ivana Bacik it could not possibly be sexist. It is a lovely human compliment and one that is deserved by Jody, not that Deirdre is very far behind in the fashion stakes.
May I say, I think Deirdre will miss her terribly because they have been a wonderful team. I used to joke that it was good cop, bad cop, but I will leave one to guess which is which. Jody was always so helpful, decent, genuine, sympathetic - the French only use that word "sympathique" very sparingly of very special people. That is what Jody is. One could go to her with anything and she would give one the best professional advice.
We have been very lucky to have Jody. She battled some illnesses very bravely and came back to us. Now she is going to enjoy life. I hope Jody enjoyed life here with all the rough and tumble, even the late sittings, naughty Members like myself having to be occasionally told to behave themselves, always done in the nicest possible way and so civilised. I hope we will see her from time to time. I ask her, please, not to abandon us because it would be a great loss to us. I hope she will be in. There is a cliche as Gaeilge, that I think is appropriate on this occasion, ní fheicfimid a leithéid arís - we will not see the likes of Jody again. We will get somebody different and I am sure he or she will be excellent, as is Deirdre. I hope we get another team but nobody will replace Jody in her humanity, her decency and her extensive knowledge, but the principle thing is her good fellowship. On behalf of the Independent group, every one of us, including those who are not present, who have to go abroad on professional business, or electioneering or whatever they are at, unanimously wanted a full and appropriate tribute paid to Jody today.