Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Murphy, I wish those getting their junior certificate results the very best. As someone who has been on many school boards of management over the past 20 years, I know that, while it may not be as important as it used to be, it is a very good practice run for the leaving certificate. Those who went into the leaving certificate having never done the junior certificate as a result of the Covid pandemic may have found it a bit more daunting. I wish those students well with their results today.

There were expressions of sympathy in the Dáil yesterday on the death of the former Senator, Deputy and professor, Dr. Brian Hillery. Perhaps we will be able to carry out a similar exercise at some point. I know such things generally only happen in one House or the other but he was a Member of this House for 14 years and a Member of the Dáil for three. While the statements in the Dáil were very nice and well put together and certainly acknowledged his contribution, now that the Covid pandemic has elapsed, I would like to put on the record of the House statements on former Members in more depth than is possible on the Order of Business. I certainly acknowledge Dr. Hillery's contribution not just as a Member of the Dáil and a Member of the Seanad for 14 years over a number of terms, but his contribution to Irish life more widely. In terms of academia, he was a professor in UCD. He was also a director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development at a very important time in the 1990s and a director of the Central Bank. He was also very involved in many businesses and organisations including Independent News and Media. He was an absolute gentleman and a real legend of Irish political life, business life and academic life.

He lectured me in UCD and I met him in here. In fact, I welcomed him to the Chamber when I was in the Chair one day in December 2019. When he passed in January 2021, it was quite a shock to me. I appreciate the Cathaoirleach allowing me to make a contribution today. Perhaps we will be able to make more measured comments at another time. I know Senators Norris and Burke were here at the same time as Dr. Hillery but many others would have known and appreciated him. You always felt better after having meeting him around the Houses. He was a thorough gentleman. May he rest in peace.