Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today, I think of the family and friends of Private Seán Rooney from County Donegal, who lost his life in the service of our country overseas. I live in the constituency of Dublin Central. We have McKee Barracks on Blackhorse Avenue, with which the Leader will be familiar. We also have the headquarters of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association on Arbour Hill. These are people who give of their lives selflessly. Obviously, the ultimate sacrifice was made last night. My thoughts and deepest sympathies and condolences go to Private Rooney's family and friends and all who served with him. My thoughts also go to Private Shane Kearney. I hope he makes a speedy recovery. One soldier came from County Donegal and the other is from Killeagh in County Cork; they were from both ends of the country. My grandmother came from Killeagh. I have two young sons. When one sees those photographs, it is really heartbreaking. I thank them for their service and express my deepest sympathies.

I thank everybody in the Houses, both the Dáil and the Seanad, from all parties and none, who supported and continue to support the campaign that is being led by the 1916 Relatives Association to have the new children's hospital named after Dr. Kathleen Lynn. The campaign, which is supported by the National Women's Council of Ireland, Fórsa, SIPTU and politicians on all sides, is born out of a desire to honour and celebrate a woman who was a revolutionary, patriot, disrupter and belligerent. She was passionate. She saw things that did not exist. She was a qualified medical doctor who believed passionately in social justice. She brought medicine to women and children at a time when that could not even be imagined. She is a woman who transcends time and her legacy is one we can all be proud of and aspire to into the future. I thank everybody who has supported the campaign and who welcomed its representatives to the Oireachtas yesterday.

I particularly thank the Leader, the Cathaoirleach, our leader, Senator Chambers, Martin Groves, Bridget Doody and all the staff who give us, myself included, the opportunity to serve here and have the privilege of participating in our democracy at this level. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir. I wish everyone a merry Christmas.