Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senators O'Donnell and van Turnhout. Go raibh maith, a Sheanadóir. I said it in Irish first. Senator O'Donnell is prickly about the issue but no personal offence whatsoever was intended.

I am glad this motion has been, fortuitously, tabled this week. Peter Sands, a Member of this House for a number of months in 2007, was a fiercely active man in the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and various societies for the aged and retired people. He did tremendous work in his community and nationally and his service in that and many other regards was recognised in his appointment to the Seanad, albeit for a temporary period. I remember him as I speak today.

I hope that in our actions and, in particular, our words this evening we make sure the protection, welfare and health of older people is at the centre of our society.