Gerald Nash (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Clochartaigh has made a remarkable contribution to this House during his term. I had the opportunity to get to know Senator Ó Clochartaigh first when I was a Member of the previous Dáil and then probably even better when I became a Minister of State. On many occasions when I was here dealing with issues of industrial relations, pay policy and trying to improve the pay and terms and conditions of working people across Ireland, contributions were routinely made by Senator Ó Clochartaigh that were not simply routine in that sense of the word. They were considered, thoughtful, intelligent contributions that served this House well, served Senator Ó Clochartaigh and his party well and served the purpose of improving legislation for working people in this country well. That is the essence of Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. He represents, dare I say it, the best traditions of labour and Sinn Féin, that is, true republican socialist principles, and brings a very committed and determined perspective to the House. I will give an example of Senator Ó Clochartaigh's commitment. As my colleague, Senator Gavan, mentioned earlier, for a number of weeks now Senator Ó Clochartaigh has known that his time in the House was coming to an end, but this did not mean he was any less convinced about the causes he was pursuing. Just two weeks ago Senator Ó Clochartaigh and I met a group working on an initiative that he organised in Galway to improve the pay and terms and conditions of, in some cases, exploited workers in the hospitality sector in the region that he represents. This convinced me that this was not simply a political campaign Senator Ó Clochartaigh was involved in but something he was determined to see through to the end because of his instincts, his beliefs and his good politics - good politics, I have no doubt, learned in his community with his family. I wish him and his family every success in the future and I really hope he will not be a stranger in the future to me or to the good friends he has made in this House. I wish him well.