Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I stand solely to pay tribute to Ms Jody Blake. I wish to express my gratitude to her, as others have done. She was the first professional in the Seanad to give me a telephone call after my appointment. It was her call and she shared her mobile number with me as well, which I was so impressed with because it was over a weekend. From that moment on, I have consistently felt both her personal support and her extraordinary professional expertise. She was always at my disposal for the things I needed to learn as a newcomer to politics. I wish to express my extraordinary gratitude to her for that.

Together with Ms Deirdre Lane, Jody has also lent her support to the innovation which is the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. I note her work in that regard which was extra work with no extra resources, yet she rose to the occasion every time as we went about our business. Only yesterday, Jody was sending out letters to invite organisations to attend our next Seanad consultation process. Up to the very last moment, she demonstrated her willingness and support in that regard.

I salute Jody's courage in her recovery. As I witnessed her return to work, I learned a lot about recovery and one's approach to that, in addition to the healing process and being well. Once or twice, we shared the great expression from a 14th century mystic Julian of Norwich, that all will be well and all manner of things shall be well. That is what I wish Jody the most. I shall miss her, as we all will.