Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, would like to be associated with all the tributes paid to Jody, all of which are well deserved. I, too, found her ever helpful, particularly when I was Acting Chairman. Whenever Jody was there when one was in the Chair, one could not go wrong. I am extremely grateful for her help. I am sure we will get together again outside this House.

Reference has been made to the state visit. I agree that the President and Mrs. Higgins, in terms of all they have done and what the President said, have done us proud. Along with Deputies McHugh, Feighan and Wall, I had the pleasure of being in the Royal Gallery to hear the President's speech, which was very powerful. As has been said, good things will flow from the visit. Perhaps, as has also been said, we can mark it by an appropriate debate in this House. I was delighted by the references in the Queen's speech to Countess Markievicz and the liberator, Daniel O'Connell. As stated by Senator Barrett, that practice is a proud Irish tradition. Perhaps the Leader would arrange for an appropriate marking of the occasion by this House.