Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to briefly raise three issues. I join in thanking the Dublin Fire Brigade for what could have potentially been a catastrophic fire. One thinks back to Grenfell Tower in London and the terrible consequences of that fire and how it impacted on the people that lived there. I also want to acknowledge the great work that Dublin City Council has done because I understand, and this has to be verified, that there were a number of people in emergency accommodation residing in that building. That was their home. That has a traumatic impact, particularly on people who have been there for more than a one night stay in a hotel. It is their home. There are children and families involved. There is the staff of this hotel. Dublin Fire Brigade has again done a magnificent job, as do all the fire services. We are so lucky today that everyone is alive and hopefully got out intact. I want to acknowledge the support of Dublin City Council because it has played a huge part in terms of supports for the emergency response that happened last night.

I want to use this opportunity to wish Ursula Halligan well. She was a political journalist who everyone would have known in this House working at the cutting edge of political journalism and TV.I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that we need the media and journalists, and journalists and the media need us. We are in partnership to tell the truth and get the story out. Ursula always did that and was always at the cutting edge. She always brought a great excitement to the edge of political stories, be it inside or outside this House. I want to acknowledge that, because she was someone I admired, listened to and followed. People had an opportunity to wish her well last night.

It is Daffodil Day tomorrow, a really important day. One of our great friends, and former Senator, Averil Power is CEO of the Irish Cancer Society. I want to wish her, her team and all of those involved in the society and those who help and support people with cancer right across the country well with the important fundraising endeavour being launched tomorrow. It is to be hoped that all of us will make a conscious decision tomorrow to wear the emblem.