Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is the first sitting day since the passing of Ann Louise Gilligan and I wish to pay tribute to her in the Seanad not only for the impact she had on my life but the impact she has had on generations of lives across the community in Tallaght. She cannot be faulted on the level of work and commitment she gave to working class communities as well as the LGBT community for many years. A quote she used comes to mind and I will read it:

The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.

I really feel that what Ann Louise gave to the women of Tallaght was space, and she facilitated the room for healing so that students and women could become themselves. I wish to remember her here today and send my condolences to the Minister, Deputy Zappone.