Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When anyone in Kildare hears of any death of somebody in the Defence Forces, we all have an intake of breath because so many members of the Defence Forces live in Kildare. While always acknowledging that somebody somewhere has been left bereft and bereaved, there is always a tiny sigh of relief when it is not somebody one knows.

Over the weekend, we heard of the tragic death of a member of the Defence Forces in Spain. Then, all too soon, the news came out that it was a very loved son of Newbridge, "Doc" Declan O’Connell. I could not overestimate Doc’s contribution to the community as well as to the Army. He was an acting sergeant major and I understand from everybody who worked with him that he was a incredible leader in the Army and in the Curragh Camp. Not only that but he was an incredible leader in Newbridge Sarsfields GAA both playing football and in coaching. He loved sport and music and he loved life.

My first interaction with "Doc" was on a town twinning trip from Newbridge to Bad Lippspringe in Germany. When I say he was the life and soul of the party, he was also full of positive energy. I want to say to everybody present today to spare a thought for his partner, Audrey, who he was to marry on 4 May, his daughter Niamh, and his parents Mary and Iggy. He was to go on a stag party next weekend. He will be greatly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Yesterday marked International Epilepsy Day and it is important that we note it today. I thank Patrick McGeoghegan for all of the information he has given us. In research conducted on behalf of Epilepsy Ireland, it was found that 80% of the public totally underestimated the prevalence of epilepsy in Ireland and only 35% of the public said that they would know what to do if they witnessed a person having a seizure. There are more than 45,000 people living with epilepsy, 726 of whom live in south Kildare.We need to spread the message of time, safe and stay when someone is having a seizure.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach mentioned Valentine's Day. It is interesting to note that every year 10% of all marriage proposals, apparently, happen on Valentine's Day. I just wish to make another point. Interestingly, 14 April is an unofficial day in Korea where sorry singles who do not receive presents on Valentine's Day get something----