Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have members of Sinn Féin who have never in their time as public representatives ever voted for housing projects and yet claim they will be able to solve the housing crisis.

I was in the House yesterday and I listened to very fitting contributions by a number of Senators, including the Leas-Chathaoirleach, on the very sad passing of Mr. David Hill at the weekend.I was playing with Senator McGahon and Deputy Richmond in the game on Saturday at which David lost his life. It was a real tragedy and very upsetting. I want to put on the record my condolences to David's family - his father, Rodger; his mother, Sharon; his step-parents, Leslie and Gordon; his brother, Alex; his sister, Georgia; and his nephews, Freddie and Hunter - and, of course, to all his rugby teammates in the Scottish Parliament. We play against them every year and it is a very enjoyable game. We have created great friendships over the years.

No one ever imagined something like this happening, especially to such a young man. He was a real gentleman. There were fitting tributes paid by the Tánaiste yesterday, by the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and, in particular, by Jamie Greene, for whom David worked. I pass on my condolences to Jamie as well. This was a real tragedy and something that everyone who was there will never forget. We all are very upset by it. I acknowledge, as have other speakers, the wonderful work that was done by the emergency team at the scene, including the fire brigade staff, ambulance staff and the staff at Old Wesley Rugby Football Club. I thank all of them for everything they did. Although David is gone, he will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with all his family and friends in Scotland.