Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we continue I would like to be associated with the votes of sympathy to Martin McGuinness's wife and family. I have said here before on the record that it was a loss to this Chamber that he was unable to come and visit and speak to us here when invited to do so. I was looking forward to it. That did not happen and it cannot happen now. I cannot blame the previous Cathaoirleach because there were logistical issues. It was regrettable that it did not happen as it would have added to the gravitas of this Chamber.

As someone from a coastal community, I am no stranger to sea tragedies, particularly around west Cork and off our coastline. I convey my sympathy to all those concerned in the terrible tragedy off the Mayo coast. It is made more poignant by the fact these people give their time to try to rescue fishermen and sailors and people who are out at sea and get into difficulty through their own fault. It is a terrible tragedy, and I do hope that the three missing persons from the helicopter will be found. Searching for bodies is nothing new to me in the area where I live. I do hope there will be success in this regard.