Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was not in the House yesterday so I do not know if this has been already done, but I want to express my admiration and great love of the late Paddy Moloney, who, because of my background in radio and as a voluntary director of a number of festivals, I was privileged to have met. I met him only twice but he left a lasting impression on me. It is amazing to hear the BBC, Sky News, the French media and media across the world referencing the death of the late Paddy Moloney, a brilliant player of the uilleann pipes, the thin whistle, the button accordion and the bodhrán. Significantly, he was worth millions to Ireland in tourism revenue. Some of the festivals in my neck of the woods, in which I was involved, were attended by people from Japan, parts of America, Russia and Germany, which always made us proud. When asked how they came to know Irish music, they said it was through Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains.

Paddy performed with Pink Floyd, Ry Cooder, Marianne Faithfull, Mick Jagger, Elvis Costello, Sinéad O'Connor, Paul McCartney and so many more. I could go on. He had a brilliant influence on people. He has left a massive legacy. It is only in the years ahead we will come to realise the significant legacy of one of the most important human beings I have ever known and who people loved to hear play instruments. One of his most fantastic tunes, "Tabhair Dom Do Lámh", a beautiful melodic piece of music, is being played on media across the world today.

We should not underestimate the benefits of the budget in terms of education, particularly in regard to DEIS schools, as referenced by Senator Currie in her contribution. I have been contacted by many schools, as I am sure have other Senators, seeking DEIS status. There are some towns in my county of Roscommon where the primary school qualifies for DEIS status, but the secondary school does not. The budget announced yesterday makes significant provision for an increase in the number of special needs assistants, SNAs, and special needs teachers.